Modi threatens to target ‘intellectual Naxals’ in Independence Day speech

Indian PM said the Maoist-influenced Naxalite armed rebellion is largely gone, but its ideological backers still pose threat.Published On 15 Aug 202615 Aug 2026India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the country has largely eliminated a Maoist rebellion which it battled for decades but still faces a threat from the movement’s ideological backers.Speaking on India’s Independence Day on Saturday, Modi said India had succeeded in “getting rid of armed Naxals” – referring to members of the Maoist-influenced Naxalite movement that challenged state authority across swaths of central and eastern India.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3India cracks down on protesters accused of ‘abusing’ Modilist 2 of 3‘Future at stake’: India moves to demolish university Muslim leader foundedlist 3 of 3India’s arms sale to Israel risks complicity in Gaza genocide, Amnesty saysend of listHowever, he said “dimagi Naxals” (intellectual Naxals) are looking for opportunities to create violence, and need to be “identified and isolated”.The phrase “dimagi Naxal” echoes the politically charged label “urban Naxal,” a term Modi and leaders of his Bharatiya Janata Party have previously used for act...