Armed Naxals Are Gone, but ‘Intellectual Naxals’ Still Lurking: PM Modi’s Independence Day Warning From Red Fort (Video)
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that while armed Maoist violence is "breathing its last," the nation must remain vigilant against ideologues propagating Naxal sympathies.
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that while armed Maoist violence is "breathing its last," the nation must remain vigilant against ideologues propagating Naxal sympathies. Cautioning citizens against what he termed "dimaagi Naxals" or "intellectual Naxals," PM Modi stressed that identifying and isolating covert sympathizers is essential to safeguarding national unity and economic progress.
Shift from Armed Insurgency to Ideological Vigilance
In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significant reduction in armed insurgency across historically affected corridors. He noted that over the past decade, coordinated security efforts and targeted infrastructure development have significantly dismantled active extremist networks in former strongholds like Bastar. Independence Day 2026: Nation Becomes Great When It Moves Forward on Strength of Its Dreams, Says PM Narendra Modi (Video).
However, the Prime Minister warned that the battle against Naxalism is not entirely over. "Armed Naxals are gone, but 'intellectual Naxals' are still lurking; we must be vigilant," PM Modi said, calling for a collective effort to isolate factions that covertly justify violence or undermine democratic institutions.
The Transformation of the 'Red Corridor'
Highlighting his government's track record since taking office in 2014, PM Modi stated that security forces have reclaimed vast swathes of land once controlled by armed Maoists through the barrel of a gun.
He emphasized that regions previously dubbed "Red Corridors" are rapidly transitioning into economic "Green Corridors" driven by connectivity, education, and social welfare schemes. According to the Prime Minister, former conflict zones are now seeing local youth embrace sports, tribal development programs, and national integration initiatives. Independence Day 2026: India Has Moved From ‘Fragile Five’ to Fastest-Growing Major Economy, Says PM Narendra Modi (Video).
PM Modi Warns of ‘Intellectual Naxals’ as Armed Maoism Declines
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "People with a Maoist mindset had carved out a place for themselves in the corridors of power within the nation. Even as advisors in government committees, this Maoist ideology exerted influence over national policies. My dear fellow… pic.twitter.com/ALNe0itsi2
— IANS (@ians_india) August 15, 2026
Focus on 'Sapt Dhara' and Self-Reliance
Beyond internal security, PM Modi outlined a broader roadmap to accelerate progress toward a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. He introduced the concept of "Sapt Dhara"—seven distinct streams of national strength—designed to drive rapid growth in technology, manufacturing, and youth empowerment over the next five to seven years.
Reiterating the push for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), PM Modi highlighted recent milestones in semiconductor manufacturing and domestic energy security, urging citizens and industries to reduce critical dependencies on foreign supply chains.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 09:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
