India is on the verge of eradicating Naxalism and Maoist terror and more than a hundred districts freed from the scourge will celebrate Diwali with dignity this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.
Addressing the armed forces on board INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa, Prime Minister Modi lauded the bravery of the security forces and said they have achieved significant success against Maoist terror and reduced their influence to just 11 districts as against 125 districts a decade ago.
“It is due to the bravery and courage of our security forces that the country has achieved another important milestone in recent years. This milestone is about the eradication of Maoist terrorism. The country is on the brink of liberation from Naxal-Maoist terror,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi said that before 2014, nearly 125 districts across the country were in the grip of Maoist violence and now this number has been reduced to just 11 districts due to the steps taken by the government in the last decade. “Out of these 11 districts, only three districts remain under their influence,” he said.
“More than a hundred districts are now free from Maoist terror and are breathing the open air for the first time and celebrating a wonderful Diwali,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Modi said there were regions where the Maoists did not allow the construction of schools, roads and hospitals, blew up schools and hospitals and shot doctors.
“In the same regions, highways are being built, new businesses are taking root and schools and hospitals are building a new future for children,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister said these successes were achieved thanks to the penance, sacrifice and courage of the security forces.
“I am very happy that people in many such districts of the country will celebrate Diwali with pride, honor and dignity for the first time,” Modi said.
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