Internal Security Key to Beating External Enemies: PM Modi in Bastar
PM Narendra Modi visits Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security forces, highlighting the region's shift from Naxal violence to development.
Celebrating Diwali with the brave hearts of the security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message on national sovereignty: a nation is only as strong as its internal security. Speaking at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, the Prime Minister asserted that when a country's internal security is robust, external enemies find it impossible to succeed.
A Transformation from Terror to Triumph
The CoBRA Operations Base, which has served as a critical training hub and launchpad for anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad, provided the backdrop for the PM's visit. He highlighted the dramatic shift in the region, noting that Bastar—once a stronghold of Naxalism—is now a land where development is flourishing and people can celebrate festivals freely.
Addressing the personnel, PM Modi stated that he had come on behalf of 140 crore Indians to express profound gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication. He drew a direct parallel between the soldiers guarding the borders and the security personnel fighting internal threats, stating that both roles are equally vital for the unity and integrity of the nation.
"When a nation's internal security is strong, external enemies cannot succeed. However, when internal security is weakened, external enemies also begin to raise their heads," the Prime Minister remarked.
Remembering the Blood-Soaked Past
The Prime Minister did not shy away from the grim history of the region. He recalled a time when Naxalites were so dominant that they stripped citizens of their basic democratic right to vote. He pointed out that there were years when the region witnessed as many as 2,000 attacks.
Evoking the memory of fallen heroes, PM Modi mentioned the year 2010, a particularly dark period for the region. He recalled the tragedy in Dantewada where 76 CRPF personnel were martyred in a single encounter, and another incident in the same district that claimed the lives of 44 innocent civilians. "This land was soaked in the blood of our brave soldiers," he said solemnly.
Criticism of Past Governance
PM Modi launched a scathing attack on previous administrations, accusing "influential leaders living in their palaces" of remaining silent while the region burned. He pointed to data from 2004 to 2013, noting a disturbing trend where the number of martyred soldiers consistently exceeded the number of Naxalites killed.
He criticized the mindset of earlier governments, claiming they treated Naxalism as an "incurable disease" and left it unaddressed. He emphasized that no country can function by simply accepting the status quo in the face of its enemies.
The Road Ahead: Peace and Progress
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been the vanguard in the mission to uproot Naxalism from Bastar. With the security situation now stabilizing, the government is pivoting toward comprehensive development. The Prime Minister noted that peace is paving the way for fresh momentum in several key sectors:
- Education and Healthcare: Expanding access to basic services for remote villages.
- Infrastructure: Building roads, electricity grids, and communication networks.
- Economy: Boosting tourism and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
The Strategy of Surrender and Strength
The current approach, spearheaded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, follows a clear dual-track policy. The government has extended a hand of peace to those who abandon violence and surrender, allowing them to reintegrate into mainstream society. Simultaneously, the security forces have been given a clear mandate to act decisively against those who break the law and endanger the lives of innocent citizens.
This strategic combination of strength and compassion has led to a significant number of Naxalites surrendering and choosing a path of peace, signaling the beginning of the end for insurgency in the Bastar region.