‘Naxalism confined to just 5-6 districts’

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the red corrodor is now turning into a growth corridor. Naxalism is confined to just five to six districts in the country and even in such places it will not continue for a long time.

Speaking on the occasion of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju’s 128th Birth Anniversary celebrations, Singh said Naxal hubs have been transformed into educational hubs. The area known as Red Corridor is now rapidly changing into a growth corridor.

The government has taken a decision that by March 31 next year, the entire country would be naxal-free. Referring to Op Sindoor, he said only terror structures in Pakistan were targeted. No civilian, military establishments were hit.

A befitting reply would be given to terrorism if there are any incidents in future like the Pahalgam terror attack, he said. The Union Minister hailed Alluri Sitaram Raju as a great warrior and lauded him for his services to the nation.

Singh's statement on Naxalism comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made it clear that the central government has no intention of holding discussions with armed Naxal groups. “Our policy is 'no talks' with those who hold arms. Give up weapons, surrender, and join the mainstream,” he said while addressing a rally after inaugurating the National Headquarters of the Turmeric Board.