Daijiworld Media Network - Jagdalpur/Raipur

Jagdalpur/Raipur, Nov 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that strong political determination, effective policies and the courage of security personnel had significantly weakened Maoist terrorism in the country, asserting that the government's approach towards tackling Naxalism underwent a decisive change after 2014.

Addressing personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, in Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, Modi said eliminating threats to national security required unwavering resolve and a well-planned strategy. He asserted that his government had strengthened the political will that was previously lacking in tackling such threats.

"For the nation to move forward, its enemies must be crushed -- with unwavering resolve and a well-devised strategy. The political will that was lacking in our nation to do this was strengthened in 2014," he said.

Recalling the opportunity given to him by the people to serve the country, Modi said the change in the government's approach towards Naxalism became evident after he assumed office in 2014.

"You allowed this 'Pradhan Sevak' to serve 'Maa Bharati', and everyone witnessed how the situation began to change after 2014," he said.

Highlighting the improvement in the security situation, the Prime Minister said that for several years, the number of security personnel killed in anti-Naxal operations had been higher than the number of Naxalites eliminated.

However, he pointed out that a major milestone was achieved last year when not a single CRPF personnel deployed on duty lost their life, marking a significant success after 47 years.

"This marks a triumph for the nation's sound policies and unwavering resolve. It serves as a testament to your bravery, strength, and self-control," he said.

Modi stressed that success in the fight against Maoist violence required not just the right intentions but also effective policy decisions.

"Achieving success requires both the right intentions and effective policies. In the realm of national security, we made several difficult decisions and implemented various measures, some of which remain unknown to the public. These actions significantly hindered the funding sources for Naxalites and separatist groups," he said.

He said the fake currency network had been dismantled, dealing a major blow to the financial strength of extremist groups and disrupting their supply chains.

"As a result, the weapon supply was stopped, and restrictions were imposed on the movement and recruitment of Naxalites," he said.

Targeting previous governments over their handling of the Naxalism problem, Modi alleged that security personnel had earlier been prevented from exercising their operational authority even when they came under attack from Naxalites.

"Previous governments had often constrained the operational capabilities of security personnel on the ground. While Naxalite attacks occurred, security forces lacked the authority to respond effectively," he said.

In contrast, the Prime Minister said the NDA government had given security personnel greater independence and empowered them to take important decisions based on the situation during operations.

"We empowered them to make crucial decisions independently," he said.

He further said the government had worked to eliminate support for Left-Wing Extremism from within the administrative machinery and various institutions.

"We also worked to eliminate any support from certain individuals within the government and the system towards Left-Wing Extremism," he added.

Modi said the NDA government's approach was guided by the objective of ensuring that no innocent person lost their life or had their future destroyed because of Maoist violence.

He emphasised that the fight against Naxalism was not confined to security operations but also involved improving the living conditions of people in areas affected by extremism.

"We approached the issue with care, significantly weakening the foundation of Maoist terrorism. With a commitment to service, we improved the lives of individuals in areas affected by Naxalism. This is why even those who have experienced hardships due to Naxalism have rallied behind the government and security forces," he said.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of citizens who had played an important role in the fight against Maoist violence and the achievements made in restoring peace in affected regions.

"Many citizens who played a vital role in achieving this significant victory are present here today, and I would like to express my gratitude to all of them," he added.