Armed Naxals gone, now identify and isolate 'dimagi Naxals': PM Modi

New Delhi: In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a series of initiatives aimed at the youth, including free online coaching and AI skill training. He also issued a warning against what he called "dimagi Naxals" — a term he used to describe those he said were seeking violence and anarchy through intellectual means. The Prime Minister said such elements must be "identified" and "isolated" to protect the nation's youth.

This was Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day speech, lasting over 75 minutes. The emphasis on youth came amid a backdrop of significant student-led protests against the government's examination system, which led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a series of reforms in examination procedures.

Using the phrase "dimagi Naxals," the Prime Minister drew a distinction between armed Maoists and those who, in his view, sympathise with or support left-wing extremism through non-violent means. He said, "These dimagi Naxals are looking for ways of violence and anarchy. They are resorting to various tactics to drag society to the wrong path. We must identify these dimagi Naxals, isolate them, and steer the nation's youth toward the mainstream effort of transforming India into a developed nation."

The term "dimagi Naxals" is a new coinage by the Prime Minister. He has previously used the term "urban Naxals" to describe sympathisers of the Maoist movement. According to political observers, the phrase appears to target left-leaning intellectuals and activists, particularly those associated with student organisations such as the All India Students' Association (AISA), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist). BJP circles have alleged that such groups played a key role in mobilising support for the protests against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other examination reforms.

The Prime Minister cautioned that the challenge posed by "dimagi Naxals" should not be underestimated, noting that they used to have a presence in the "corridors of power," including as advisers in government committees. This echoes past accusations by the BJP against the Congress party, which the BJP claims kept individuals with professed Naxal sympathies in policy-making committees during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2004 to 2014.

The Prime Minister's remarks come at a time when his government has claimed significant success in reducing armed Maoist activity in the country. In recent years, the government has reported a decline in incidents of Naxal violence and the elimination of several top Maoist leaders. The shift in focus to "dimagi Naxals" indicates a new phase in the government's approach to countering left-wing extremism, moving from military action to addressing what it sees as ideological support for the movement.

The use of the term has drawn mixed reactions. While some have supported the Prime Minister's call to isolate those who allegedly incite violence, others have expressed concern that the term could be used to stifle dissent and target peaceful critics of the government. Civil liberties groups have often cautioned against the use of labels such as "urban Naxals" to marginalise legitimate protest.

The Independence Day speech also included several other announcements for the youth, including the launch of a scheme for free online coaching and an initiative for AI skill development. These are part of the government's broader efforts to equip young Indians with skills for the future economy. The government has stated that these initiatives will help students from economically weaker sections access quality education and training.

As the nation celebrated its 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister's address covered a range of issues, from economic development to national security. But it was the call to identify and isolate "dimagi Naxals" that generated the most discussion, reflecting the government's continued focus on countering what it perceives as ideological threats to the nation's progress.