PM Modi said that a robust internal security system played a key role against external threats. Photo: PTI
PM Modi warns of ‘dimagi Naxals’ after declaring armed Naxalism eliminated
Celebrating Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, he said armed Naxalites had been eliminated but ideological Naxalites continued to incite people against the Constitution and democracy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (November 8) described 2026 as a historic year, as it witnessed the first Diwali celebrations when every district of the country became free of Naxalism, but warned that while “armed Naxalites” have been wiped out, “dimagi Naxals” have gained control of several organisations. He made the remarks during his visit to Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, where he joined Diwali celebrations with security personnel.
PM on ‘dimagi Naxals’
"Friends, amidst these successes, there is one more thing we must keep in mind. While the armed Naxalites have been eliminated, 'dimagi Naxals' have taken control of various organisations. Even today, they continue to incite people against the Constitution and democracy. These ideological Naxalites have infiltrated several political parties and diverse organisations. We must identify them, defeat them and ensure the nation's security," said PM Modi, as quoted by NDTV.
Lauding the role of security personnel in countering Maoist insurgency, PM Modi also said that crores of people across the country can now engage in Diwali celebrations without the fear of Naxalite violence.
PM hails ‘end of Naxalism’ across districts
“Diwali in 2026 is truly special. After 40-50 years, such a Diwali has come for you. This is the first Diwali when the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism,” said PM Modi, as quoted by India Today.
“This is the first Diwali when crores of countrymen have overcome the fear of Naxalism. This is an extraordinary achievement, and a great deal of credit goes to you. It belongs to millions of brave men and women like you, our soldiers and security personnel. That is why I have come here today to celebrate Diwali with you,” he added.
Also Read: Amit Shah blames Congress for Naxalism: ‘What kind of govt were you running?’
Elaborating on the relation between internal and external security, the Prime Minister said that a robust internal security system played a key role against external threats.
“When a nation's internal security is strong, external enemies cannot succeed. However, when internal security is weakened, external enemies also begin to raise their heads,” he said.
Links internal security to national unity
As for the roles played by security personnel in the country and that of the armed forces at the border, PM Modi said that both played a key role in preserving India’s integrity and unity.
“The role played by our armed forces at the borders is the same role that all of you security personnel play within the country. You have made countless sacrifices for the unity and integrity of the nation. You have made immense personal sacrifices,” he added.
Also Read: Why decades-old Maoist movement faces oblivion as its last stronghold is set to fall
Extending Diwali greetings to the security personnel, the Prime Minister said that the people of the country were proud of them.
“Crores of countrymen are proud of you. With this sense of gratitude and belonging, I extend my heartfelt Diwali greetings to all of you, wherever you are stationed and standing guard,” said PM Modi.
Cites CRPF's 47-year record
For the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF jawan lost his life in the line of duty over the past year, he said.
Bastar, long known as the epicentre of Left-Wing Extremism (Naxalism) in Chhattisgarh, has undergone a transformation following aggressive counter-insurgency operations, massive surrenders, and a development push.
(With agency inputs)