Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating Diwali with armed forces personnel aboard the INS Vikrant, announced that India is now witnessing the ‘final phase’ of its long battle against Maoist extremism.
His remarks were part of a wider tribute to the security forces. PM Modi praised them for successfully dismantling the network of Left-Wing Extremism across affected regions.
Addressing the troops on the deck of India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, the Prime Minister stated, “Today, the nation is moving towards the end of Maoism. Only three districts remain where Maoism persists, and they, too, will soon be free. Earlier, 125 districts remain severely affected. Now, over 100 districts can breathe a sigh of relief and celebrate Diwali in peace. This has been made possible by the valour of our police forces.”
PM Modi highlighted the government’s multi-layered approach to tackling Maoist influence. He said development, infrastructure growth, and targeted security measures have been key, particularly in tribal and forested regions.
Linking national security with progress, he said the nation was moving from ‘the Red Corridor to Green Growth Zones’. He further referred to the development of roads, schools, and hospitals in areas once dominated by insurgents.
“Before 2014, as many as 124 districts badly suffered under Naxal influence. By October 2025, only 11 remain, with three considered high-risk. Over 100 districts can now have a sigh of relief and celebrate Diwali in peace — thanks to the courage of our police forces,” PM Modi further asserted.
Praising the police for their resilience, PM Modi described their work as one of India’s most difficult post-Independence challenges.
“Unlike soldiers trained for war, our police, often armed with just batons, work among civilians. The police faced an unprecedented challenge after Independence. Fighting an internal war without harming innocents is no easy task. Yet, our police forces have done a tremendous job. The nation is proud of them,” he noted.
The Prime Minister further added that in many areas where Maoists once rejected the Constitution, the spirit of ‘Swadeshi’ now thrives, symbolising India’s growing unity and self-reliance.
PM Modi’s remarks, however, underscored a significant shift in India’s internal security landscape.
Coordinated efforts between central and state forces, supported by development initiatives and community engagement, have sharply reduced Maoist activity across the country.
The address also served as a morale booster, reaffirming national gratitude and commitment to the welfare of security personnel protecting the country’s peace and progress.
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