Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India is on the verge of eradicating Naxalism-Maoist terror and more than 100 districts free from this problem will celebrate Diwali with respect this year.
Addressing the armed forces personnel on board the warship INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa, Prime Minister Modi praised the bravery of the security forces and said that they have achieved significant success against Maoist terrorism and earlier 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist terrorism but today this number has reduced to only 11 districts.
He said, “It is because of the valor and courage of our security forces that the country has achieved another great achievement in the last few years. This achievement relates to the eradication of Maoist terrorism. The country is on the verge of freedom from Naxal-Maoist terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi said that before 2014, about 125 districts across the country were in the grip of Maoist violence and due to the steps taken by the government in the last decade, this number has now reduced to just 11.
“Out of these 11 districts, now only three are under their influence,” he said.
He said, “More than 100 districts are now free from Maoist terror and are breathing in the open air for the first time and celebrating a grand Diwali.”
Prime Minister Modi said that there are many areas where Maoists did not allow schools, roads and hospitals to be built and blew up schools and hospitals and shot doctors.
Modi said, “Now in the same areas, highways are being built, new businesses are sprouting and schools and hospitals are creating a new future for children.”
The Prime Minister said that these successes have been achieved due to the tenacity, sacrifice and courage of the security forces.
He said, “I am happy that for the first time people in many districts of the country are going to celebrate Diwali with pride, respect and dignity.”
