Armed Naxalism dealt with, now time to isolate ‘dimaagi Naxals’: PM Modi in I-Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Saturday that armed Naxalism is nearing its end in India, urging for the identification and isolation of what he termed "dimagi Naxals" or intellectual Naxals. Addressing the nation on the 80th Independence Day from the Red Fort, Modi stated that these intellectual Naxals must be identified and isolated to connect the youth with the mainstream.

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These 'dimagi Naxals' have to be identified and isolated, and connect the youth with the mainstream.

Modi highlighted that Naxalism and Maoism had destroyed the future of many young people and that large areas had been under the grip of gun violence for four decades. He noted that over 3,500 security personnel lost their lives protecting people, a number higher than those who die in war. "When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath," he said, adding that many areas have become free of Naxalites and are developing.

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For four decades, huge areas and people were in their clutches under the fear of guns. Over 3,500 security personnel died protecting people; the number is higher than those who die in war.

The Prime Minister asserted that individuals with a Naxal mindset had occupied positions of power, including advisory roles on government committees, and that Maoist thinking had influenced policies. "We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but 'dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest … They want to drag the society on the wrong path," he said, emphasizing the need to isolate them.

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When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath.