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New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) In an unwavering address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that the scourge of Maoist terrorism in India is nearing its end, pledging that “it is his personal guarantee” that the country will soon be free from the menace.
Speaking with rare emotional clarity, PM Modi condemned the decades-old shadow of Maoist violence that has stunted development and taken countless lives, especially among the poorest villagers, farmers and tribal communities.
His remarks, delivered amid a tense atmosphere, underlined the dramatic decline in Maoist influence and heralded a new dawn of progress in the affected areas.
PM Modi’s impassioned speech at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi highlighted the plight of the victims, who recently traveled to Delhi, where they spent seven days pleading for their voices to be heard.
He said, “These were poor villagers, farmers and tribals – some of them had limbs amputated; they were standing with folded hands, holding press conferences to get their point across to the people – not those who defend the Maoists while flouting the Constitution.”
PM Modi condemned the systemic neglect that left India’s hinterland deprived of schools, hospitals and infrastructure due to Maoist disruptions for more than 50 years.
“Maoist terror is a grave injustice, a sin against our youth,” PM Modi said, sharing the pain of “countless mothers” who lost their sons to Naxalite violence.
The Prime Minister’s optimism stems from concrete progress. He revealed that out of the 125 districts once plagued by the Maoist insurgency, only 11 remain affected, with only three districts now classified as highly vulnerable.
An important milestone came in the last 72 hours, when 303 Naxalites, including a high value target carrying a reward of up to Rs 1 crore, surrendered before the authorities.
PM Modi credited the change in his government’s commitment to constitutional values, saying, “These were not ordinary Naxalites. They are now ready to embrace the Constitution.”
He argued that this wave of surrenders signaled a changing tide, as former rebels chose faith in India’s democratic structure rather than violence and embraced the Constitution.
PM Modi highlighted the transformative development in areas like Bastar, once a stronghold of Maoists, where tribals are now organizing the Bastar Olympics, a symbol of cultural and social revival.
“This Diwali will be different in areas affected by Maoist terror,” he promised, envisioning a celebration devoid of fear.
His government’s focus on development coupled with strong security measures has reduced Maoist influence, paving the way for schools, hospitals and economic opportunities.
PM Modi termed this pledge as his personal guarantee and declared, “The day is not far when India will be free from Maoist terror.”
–IANS
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