"Dimaagi Naxals Need To Be Identified, Isolated": PM Warns In I-Day Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Saturday, warned of a new enemy: "Dimaagi Naxal". PM Modi said while the Naxals who took up arms in the jungle have been eliminated, there are also 'dimagi naxals', who were embedded in the power corridors and need to be "identified, and isolated" so the youth of the country can be brought together for a developed India.Saying how the Red Terror had kept several parts of the country "hostage" with the barrel of a gun, PM Modi highlighted how more than 3,500 security personnel were killed in various operations "in order to protect the people," showing a contrast on how India gained Independence 80 years ago and yet was in the grip of Naxalism.Over 3,500 security personnel died protecting people, the PM said, adding the number is higher than those who die in war."When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath," he said, adding that several areas have become free of Naxalites and are becoming developed."For years, those with Naxal mentality had their place in the power corridors. They were in government committees as advisors. Maoist thinking impacted policies. We have succeeded in getting rid of armed Naxals in the jungles, but 'dimagi Naxals' (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence, unrest ... They want to drag the society on the wrong path," he said."These 'dimagi Naxals' have to be identified and isolated, and connect the youth with the mainstream," PM Modi said. PM Modi also mentioned how development has reached remote areas which was not seen as possible due to the prevelance of Naxalism, but now, the flag of development flies high in those same areas.