A N ARDENT backer of the country’s security forces, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi made a meaningful choice of celebrating Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The former hotbed of Naxalite violence saw the Prime Minister mingling with the jawans in a totally Naxal-free atmosphere thus conveying the nation’s gratitude for their contribution to the fight against Maoism. Amid the celebration, the PM also made a critical observation about Naxalism taking an urban form and affecting important institutions. The comment has charted future course for the security as well as Intelligence agencies to work in close cohesion to fight the next threat of “Dimagi Naxals”. Mr. Modi’s Diwali with security personnel in Bastar continued his tradition of honouring the Armed Forces, soldiers, police and jawans whose exceptional courage has helped the country in weeding out the decades-old Naxal menace from every district of the country. Mr. Modi rightly hailed the occasion as a historic moment in India’s fight against Naxalism. He also credited the achievement of overcoming the long struggle against Naxalism and Maoist violence to the sacrifices of security personnel.

 

This gesture is set to add further edge to India’s internal security even as Naxalism shifts to another platform. The use of “Dimagi Naxals” phrase by the PM during the Diwali celebration is a reminder to the country that Maoist followers and sympathisers have taken the intellectual path and are infiltrating political parties and organisations. Mr. Modi has been accusing the Urban Naxals for inciting people through various digital platforms against the Constitution and democracy. He has now cautioned the entire country, including the security forces, to keep a strong vigil on every activity that can be detrimental to democracy in the longer run By invoking the evolved format of Naxalism in a land that had suffered for too long due to Maoist violence, the Prime Minister has made it clear that the Centre is ready to tackle the menace with full force just like it did by wiping out Naxal forces in their erstwhile strongholds. Bastar was seen as the capital of Naxalism in India even as foreign funding and anti-India forces strengthened the Maoists to wage an illegal war against a Constitutionallyelected Government in the country.

 

The region has remained witness to a gory bloodbath of innocent villagers, security personnel and also political leaders. It was a dark phase in Chhattisgarh’s history as Naxals spread their tentacles in neighbouring States too. The cancer has now been totally uprooted by the bravery of the security personnel and police after a multi-pronged strategy devised by a common platform led by the Centre. By using the carrot and stick policy, the Central Government as well as Governments in Naxal-affected States have ensured surrender of top Maoist leadership and simultaneously holding armed operations against the radicalised ones. Affected regions in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand are now experiencing a new way of life with development and personal growth at the core of policy-making. The change has naturally forced the deep-rooted Red philosophy to mutate into other forms with urban Naxalism becoming the most preferred way to create disturbance in the country.

 

In this light, the Prime Minister’s words of caution against “Dimagi Naxals” must be taken seriously by the entire country. The PM had first mentioned the problem of ‘Dimagi Naxals’ during his Independence Day speech. However, the Diwali speech held a sharper edge as Mr. Modi explicitly stated that these elements had infiltrated political parties. The remarks hold immense significance keeping in perspective the recent protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voters list and Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Gyanesh Kumar. The issue is still hot and is set to witness another political showdown between the Centre and Opposition parties after the festive season. Against this backdrop, the PM has alerted the country at large to stay vigilant and defeat these anarchist forces.