Naxalism vanishing from jungles but taking root in urban centres: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Naxalism was being wiped out from the jungles, but expressed concern that it was fast spreading roots in urban areas with some political parties also echoing their ideology.

Addressing the Republic Plenary Summit organised by a news channel here, PM Modi also targeted the Congress saying it had crushed the aspirations of people, who also stopped expecting much from the party.

He said things have now changed and the people’s aspirations were rising in the past decade since his government came to power. “Today’s India thinks big, sets big targets and delivers big results. It is because the mentality of the country has changed. The country is moving ahead with big aspirations,” PM Modi said.

The prime minister said the government has worked hard on the security front and terror attacks and sleeper cells of terrorists have disappeared from television headlines as well as the country.

“Naxalism in the country is also on its last legs. In the past, over 100 districts were severely affected by this menace. However, this number has drastically reduced to just around two dozen districts today,” Modi said.

He said this was made possible after the government focused on delivering governance at the grassroots level. “While Naxalism is steadily being eradicated from jungles due to decisive actions, it is beginning to spread its roots into urban centres, presenting a new challenge,” PM Modi said.