Millions freed from Left-Wing ‘extremism’, says PM Modi on Diwali
New Delhi, November 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said this year’s Diwali is special as, for the first time, every district in the country has been freed from Naxalism, bringing millions of people out of the shadow of Left-wing extremism. He also highlighted that, for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel has lost their life in the line of duty over the past year, describing it as a significant achievement in India’s fight against insurgency and terrorism.
Addressing the soldiers, the Prime Minister said that only when internal security is strong, the country is able to fight external enemies. Previous governments had considered Naxalism an incurable disease and left it to chance. Such a policy could not be continued. In 2014, with a strong strategy and high spirits, his government overcame the lack of political will and fought a decisive battle against Naxalism. Today, the country is free from Naxalism.
The Prime Minister said that his government has worked diligently to transform the lives of people in Naxal-affected areas, and that is why the people affected by Naxalism stand firmly with the government and security forces.
The Prime Minister praised the sacrifice and dedication of the security forces personnel, saying that their efforts made it possible to eliminate Naxalite terror and usher in development. He said that he had come to express his gratitude on behalf of all Indians.
He said, “The security forces engaged in the internal security of the country, every soldier of the CRPF, Cobra, BSF, ITBP, every constable of the SSB, IRB and state police, every special force commando like the Bastar Fighters, women fighters, the country is indebted to you for your service.”
Prime Minister Modi stated that just as his government fulfilled its resolve to remove Article 370 and free the country from Naxalism, it will also succeed in freeing the country from poverty, drug addiction, and achieving the resolve and goal of a developed and self-reliant India.
The Prime Minister once again cautioned that despite the fight against Naxalism, the threat has not been completely averted. He said that even though Naxalites have been wiped out from the forests, the Naxalites have taken over many organizations. They have also infiltrated political parties and organizations. It is important to identify them. These people are inciting people against the Constitution and democracy of the country.
Citing a recent World Bank report, the Prime Minister said that according to it, 500 million people in the country have been lifted out of poverty in the last 12 years. He said that the country has accomplished what was not possible with the slogan of “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) in the last 12 years. Referring to his government’s schemes for the welfare of the poor, he said that these schemes are like a rangoli, interwoven together to create a beautiful scene. He mentioned government schemes like Jan Dhan, PM Awas, Mudra, Svanidhi, Ayushman Bharat, free rations, affordable medicines, and security.
He said that families who previously inherited poverty now have hope for a better future.
