"Nation is on verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror": PM Modi lauds security forces

Panaji (Goa) [India], October 20 (ANI): Praising the security forces, including police and CRPF personnel, for the success in the fight against Naxalism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asserted that India is on the verge of being free from Maoist terror.
The Prime Minister, who addressed Navy personnel aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on Diwali, said of 125 districts impacted by Naxal violence, only 11 districts still show some influence of Maoists, and among these, the actual areas of impact are limited to just three districts.
"Today, the nation is on the verge of being free from Naxal-Maoist terror. Before 2014, around 125 districts of the country were affected by Maoist violence. Due to a decade of persistent efforts, this number has reduced significantly. Now, out of 125, only 11 districts still show some influence of Maoists, and among these, the actual areas of impact are limited to just 3 districts. For the first time, more than 100 districts are completely free from Maoist terror, breathing in the open air," PM Modi said.
"People, for the first time, are emerging from fear and oppression and becoming part of the mainstream of development. In areas where Maoist-Naxal insurgents used to block roads, prevent schools from opening, stop hospitals from being built, destroy functioning schools, and even attack doctors and hospitals, highways are now being constructed, new industries are coming up, and schools and hospitals are shaping the future of local children...," he added.
The Prime Minister recalled the sacrifices made by security forces in tacking the Maoist menace.
"For Navy soldiers, walking with death in your hands is a child's play. But the police personnel, who carry nothing more than batons in their hands. They don't have as many resources, and their training is to work in harmony with civilians, but the soldiers of my police force, whether from the BSF or the CRPF, have fought against the Naxalites is commendable. On this auspicious occasion of Diwali, I salute our police personnel a hundred thousand times. I know many of these brave individuals who have lost their legs but not their spirit, whose hands have been cut, and who find simple tasks difficult," PM Modi said.
"They have devoted themselves selflessly for the greater good. For the first time since independence, the police force has faced such a huge challenge, and in the past ten years, they have worked to end this decades-long menace of 50 years. I believe they will succeed. In 90% of cases, they have already succeeded... Such courage to eliminate Naxalism and to finish Maoist terror has been displayed by the nation's strength..."," PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister referred to the Indian Armed Forces as "his family" as he kept with his annual tradition over the previous 11 years to celebrate Diwali with the armed forces of the country. (ANI)