Day not far when India will be free from Maoist terror: Modi

Says India first responder during any global crisis

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, second from left, and others during the inauguration the 'Shanti Shikhar' centre for spiritual learning and meditation at Brahma Kumaris, in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, Chhattisgarh

(PTI)

Stressing upon the importance of practical policies and actions in the mission for global peace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has always come forward as a first responder during any global crisis.

"Whenever a crisis or a disaster occurs anywhere in the world, Bharat steps forward as a trusted partner," he said, adding the nation has always reached out immediately to help.

Speaking at various events in Chattisgarh to mark the state's 25th anniversary celebration of the formation of the state which was carved out of Madhya Pradesh, PM Modi dwelt at length on the leftwing extremism and the government efforts to eradicate the menace, often described as the most grave challenge to the internal security.

He said the number of districts affected by Maoist terror has come down from 125 to just three in the last 11 years, and the day is not far when the country will be freed from the Naxal menace.

In his address at the 'Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav' in Nava Raipur, Modi hailed the state's growth journey and said the seed sown 25 years ago has grown into a "vat vriksh" (banyan tree) of development. In all, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over Rs. 14.260 crore.

Modi said he was deeply satisfied that Chhattisgarh was breaking free from the clutches of Naxal violence which had caused immense suffering to the state for over five decades.