On the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasized the need to identify and counteract "urban Naxalism" — a new threat, he warned, that seeks to divide India "under the guise of defending democracy and the Constitution".
Speaking at the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, he said it is important to keep this unity and not allow such efforts that seek to divide the nation.
"Naxalism, a terrifying disease, has been uprooted and thrown away," PM Modi said, reminiscing over a time when the "red corridor" extended from Nepal's Pashupatinath to Tirupati in India.
He reflected how the tribal communities, starting with the likes of Birsa Munda, fought for Indian freedom with minimal resources.
Naxalism was inculcated into tribal society as part of a deliberate conspiracy; it challenged India's unity, the Prime Minister said.
He said he was happy with the success that India has had against traditional Naxalism, giving the credit to ten years of "relentless efforts." But he spoke of a new threat: "urban Naxalism."
"These people, while using the Constitution and democracy as an alibi, are actually dividing Indians. We must find this nexus of urban Naxalites," he added.
As Naxalism that at one time flourished in the forest and led youths to go armed gradually faded, it has been replaced by a newer model of urban Naxalism, PM Modi said, calling for recognition and confrontation of those carrying false masks while promoting harm to India's unity.
PM Modi spoke on the rise of growing divisive forces. "When the strength and unity of India are rising, there are certain forces, be it inside the country or outside the country, that feel it is the time to bring in instability and chaos."
Quoting a popular unity song, PM Modi said that, "We used to sing 'Hind desh ke niwasi, sabhi Jan ek hai'. But today, if you sing such songs, then you may face backlash from these urban Naxals. Even saying 'Ek hai toh Safe hai' is being misinterpreted by divisive elements."
Conclusion The PM asked people to not forget and pay homage to the vision of a United India, as envisioned by Sardar Patel. To this, he added that diversity has to be the way through which unity gets strengthened in the country.
"Sardar Saheb said that India's foremost goal should be unity. Only by celebrating our diversity can we strengthen our unity," he said, pointing out that unity would be the hallmark for the next 25 years.
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