NEW DELHI — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday that the country’s long-running Maoist insurgency is approaching its final stage, while warning that ideological supporters of the movement could continue to pose a challenge to social stability.
Speaking from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations, Modi said years of security operations and development efforts had significantly weakened the armed Naxalite movement. He described Maoist violence as being in its final phase after decades of conflict across parts of central and eastern India.
The insurgency, commonly known as the Naxalite movement, has its roots in a 1967 uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal. Inspired by Maoist ideology, the movement expanded over the years and attracted support among sections of landless farmers, rural communities and Indigenous populations. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths involving civilians, security personnel and insurgents.
Modi Raises Concern Over Ideological Supporters
While highlighting the decline of armed Maoist groups, Modi warned that people who support the movement’s ideology could continue to influence public opinion and contribute to unrest.
He used the term “dimagi Naxals,” broadly referring to ideological or intellectual supporters of Naxalism, and argued that such individuals should be identified and isolated.
The terminology is politically sensitive in India. Modi and members of his Bharatiya Janata Party have previously used similar expressions, including “urban Naxal,” to describe activists, academics, intellectuals and other critics whom they accuse of supporting extremist ideologies.
Opposition figures and civil liberties advocates have criticized such labels, arguing that they can be used to discredit political dissent and legitimate criticism of government policies.
Focus on Economic Growth and Youth
During his Independence Day address, Modi also outlined plans aimed at strengthening India’s domestic capabilities in areas including defense and agriculture. Youth development was another major focus of the speech.
He highlighted initiatives involving artificial intelligence training and free online preparation for competitive examinations, emphasizing the importance of providing young Indians with greater access to education, skills and employment opportunities.
Modi also reiterated his government’s ambition to transform India into a developed country by 2047, marking 100 years since independence.
Maoist Violence Has Declined
Since Modi came to power in 2014, his government has emphasized a combination of security operations and development programs in regions affected by Maoist activity.
Authorities have reported a substantial reduction in violence and the territorial influence of armed Maoist groups. The government has portrayed the decline as a major achievement in its efforts to address one of India’s most persistent internal security challenges.
However, concerns over civil liberties remain. International human rights organizations have previously criticized the Indian government over the use of security and counterterrorism laws against activists, journalists and civil society organizations.
Modi’s latest remarks therefore signal both confidence in the decline of the armed insurgency and continued concern over the broader ideological conflict surrounding the Naxalite movement.
