Page 29 - NIS English 01-15 September, 2026

th Independence
Day Celebrations
COVER STORY

The End of Naxalism, The New

Challenge of ‘Mental Naxals’

PM Modi spoke of the success in ending four decades of Naxalism, while
calling for identifying and isolating ‘mental Naxals’...

n Naxalism and Maoism have destroyed the future from the forests and liberating the country from
of lakhs of young people; for four decades and that menace. However, while the armed Naxals
more than 3,500 police and security personnel are gone, the mental Naxals remain, and they are
were martyred protecting ordinary citizens. on the lookout for an opportunity.
n When given the opportunity to serve in 2014, n They are looking for ways of violence and
we resolved on that very day to free the country anarchy, resorting to various tactics to drag society
from Naxalism, and today Naxalite-Maoist onto the wrong path. We must identify these
violence may no longer even have the strength to mental Naxals and isolate them. The country’s
take its final breath. youth must be aligned with the mainstream effort

n In areas where Naxalites once fired their guns, to build a developed nation.
where the land was once stained with blood, today, n We must not underestimate this challenge;
in those very Naxal-affected regions, the Tricolour we need to be even more cautious. For years,
of development, trust and endeavour is flying high individuals with a Maoist ideology had made their
because they have been freed from Naxalism. place in the corridors of power,
n We have succeeded in eliminating armed Naxals even influencing policies.

“It is true that the country
faces many challenges,
but let us not forget that
alongside these challenges,
the nation possesses
immense capability. When
we harness that strength, we
find pathways to solutions.”

(Excerpt of the speech from the ramparts of the
Red Fort on Independence Day 2016)

Picture from Independence Day 2016 Sep 01-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 27