New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, Saturday hailed how the country has successfully uprooted naxalism from the country. He also remembered the sacrifice of thousands of martyred security personnel, while addressing the on 80th Independence Day from the iconic ramparts of Red Fort.
Saying how the Red Terror had kept several parts of the country “hostage” with the barrel of a gun, PM Modi highlighted how more than 3,500 security personnel were killed in various operations “in order to protect the people”. He illustrated the contrast on how India gained Independence 80 years ago and now the country is yet again achieving independence from the grip of naxalism.
“Naxalism, Maoism destroyed the dreams of lakhs of youth. It stole the sons of numerous mothers, crushed the dreams of numerous mothers. This naxalism had kept a large part of India and population as a hostage for 4 decades with the barrel of a gun, they had destroyed the Constitution,” PM Modi said during his Independence Day address.
“More than 3,500 security personnel were martyred while protecting the people of the country. More police personnel were killed than soldiers in war. Police personnel had to put their lives on the line so that people can get security. This naxalism had covered the country in blood. In 2014, when you gave us the opportunity we had decided that we will rid the country of naxalism and today I am happy to announce that naxalism does not have even the strength for breathing”, the Prime Minister reiterated.
However, while the Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also ‘dimagi naxals’, who are there in various parts of the country and need to be “identified and isolated” so the youth of the country can be brought together for a developed India. PM Modi added.
“For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives. My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from ‘hathariya naxal’ (armed naxal). Even if these naxals are gone, but the ‘dimagi naxal’ (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence and trying to drag the country to a wrong path. We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them and bring the youth together for a developed country”, PM Modi said.
PM Modi also mentioned how development has reached remote areas which was not seen as possible due to the prevelance of Naxalism, but now, the flag of development flies high in those same areas.
(With Inputs from ANI)
