Prime Minister Modi Addresses Security Forces in Bastar, Cites Ongoing Ideological Challenges After Naxal Elimination

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district to celebrate Diwali with security personnel. He stated that while armed Maoism has been eliminated, ideological threats remain through elements he termed 'dimagi Naxals' operating within various organizations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed security personnel during a Diwali celebration at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Karanpur, located in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, on Sunday.

During his address, the Prime Minister stated that the threat of Naxalism has not entirely ended despite the elimination of armed Maoists. He alleged that ideological supporters, whom he referred to as 'dimagi Naxals', have infiltrated several organizations, including political parties, and are instigating people against the Constitution and democracy.

Highlighting past government actions, Modi noted that on March 31 of this year, the government announced the country was free from the menace of Naxalism following the elimination of numerous leaders and cadres, alongside the surrender of hundreds of others. He attributed this outcome to the government's right policies and strong political will.

Recalling the scale of the past conflict, the Prime Minister mentioned that at one point, over 230 districts across nearly 20 states were affected by Naxalism. He stated that earlier administrations had restricted the operational freedom of security forces, whereas his government provided security personnel with the authority to make necessary decisions.

Modi also stated that the government's decisions disrupted counterfeit currency networks and the supply lines of Naxalites and separatists, while working to cut off internal support for Left-Wing Extremism. For the first time in 47 years, he pointed out, not a single CRPF personnel was killed in the line of duty over the past year.

Bastar, historically considered the epicentre of Left-Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh, has seen intensified anti-Naxal operations, surrenders, and subsequent development initiatives, according to the official accounts.

"From a macroeconomic and regional stability perspective, the reduction of internal security threats in regions like Bastar is a critical development for sustainable business growth and infrastructure expansion. Security and peace in historically affected areas lay the groundwork for long-term economic participation, supply chain resilience, and regional investment." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes