Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, PM Modi said the country had successfully weakened armed Naxalism but needed to remain alert against what he called "dimagi Naxals"." We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country," PM Modi said.

PM Modi said Naxalism and Maoism had destroyed the aspirations of young people and kept large parts of the country under the grip of violence for decades. He also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives fighting the insurgency."

Naxalism, Maoism destroyed the dreams of lakhs of youth. It stole the sons of numerous mothers, crushed the dreams of numerous mothers.

This naxalism had kept a large part of India and population as a hostage for 4 decades with the barrel of a gun, they had destroyed the Constitution," PM Modi said. He said more than 3,500 security personnel had been killed while protecting citizens from Naxal violence."

More than 3,500 security personnel were martyred while protecting the people of the country. More police personnel were killed than soldiers in war, police personnel had to put their lives on the line so that people can get security.

This naxalism had covered the country in blood. In 2014, when you gave us the opportunity we had decided that we will rid the country of naxalism, and today I am happy to announce that naxalism does not have even the strength for breathing," the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi warns against ‘dimagi Naxals’PM Modi drew a distinction between armed Naxals and people he described as "dimagi naxal", alleging that the latter continued to look for opportunities to promote violence and push the country in what he called the wrong direction." For years, people with Maoist thinking were there in public life, even in government committees this thinking had affected various institutions and initiatives.

My dear countrymen, we have been able to curb and free the country from 'hathariya naxal' (armed naxal). Even if these naxals are gone, but the 'dimagi naxal' (people with naxal thinking), are looking for an opportunity, looking to see ways of violence, and trying to drag the country to a wrong path.

We need to identify these dimagi naxal, isolate them, and bring the youth together for a developed country," PM Modi said. PM Modi said areas that were once affected by Naxal violence were now witnessing development, with the Tricolour representing progress and government initiatives flying in regions where armed insurgency had previously held sway."