Maoist Threat Not Completely Over, ‘Intellectual Naxalites’ Have Infiltrated Organisations: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said India had won its decades-long battle against Maoist violence, but warned that the threat had not completely disappeared, alleging that “intellectual Naxalites” had infiltrated several political parties and organisations and were working to provoke people against the Constitution and democracy.

Addressing security personnel during Diwali celebrations at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Karanpur, in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, Modi said armed Maoists had largely disappeared from forest areas, but their ideological influence continued through different institutions.

“Armed Naxalites have vanished from the forests, but intellectual (dimagi) Naxalites have captured many organisations. Even today, they are provoking people against the Constitution and democracy of the country,” the Prime Minister said.

Modi Warns Against Continuing Naxal Influence

The Prime Minister said that although the country had made significant progress in its fight against Maoist insurgency, the remaining threat required continued vigilance.

He alleged that individuals promoting Naxalite ideology had established influence within various organisations and were attempting to undermine democratic institutions.

Modi’s remarks came during his Diwali visit to Chhattisgarh, where he spent time with CRPF personnel deployed in a region that has witnessed decades of Maoist insurgency.

Diwali Celebrations with Security Personnel

The Prime Minister marked the festival of lights with security personnel at the CRPF camp in Bastar, highlighting the sacrifices and contributions of forces deployed in challenging areas.

His visit also underscored the government’s focus on strengthening security operations and eliminating the remaining Maoist presence in the region.

The Bastar region has historically been one of the major centres of Maoist activity in India, with security forces conducting sustained operations against insurgent groups.

Modi’s warning indicated that the government considers the ideological dimension of the Maoist movement a continuing concern, even as armed insurgency has faced significant setbacks.