Left-wing-extremism close to eradication: Prez Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday declared that left-wing extremism is close to total eradication, pointing out that intensive action by forces and agencies engaged in the sphere of internal security has been a key element behind the near-eradication of the menace.

She noted that a holistic approach was adopted to win the trust of communities through several initiatives. Promoting socio-economic inclusion in tribal and remote areas has proved effective against exploitation of the people by left-wing extremists and insurgent groups, she added.

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The President was addressing the IB Centenary Endowment Lecture on the subject ‘People-Centric National Security: Community Participation in Building Viksit Bharat’ in New Delhi.

Appreciating the stellar role played by IB in providing security to the people of India and assuring the unity and integrity of the nation, President Murmu said civil police and internal security agencies in the country have to work with the spirit of serving the people. This spirit of service will build trust among the people. This trust is a precondition of developing a people-centric national security strategy in which community participation will be a key element.

She noted that India has been facing multi-dimensional security challenges and threats. Tensions in the border areas, terrorism and militancy, insurgency, and communal radicalisation have been traditional areas of security concern. In recent years, cybercrimes have emerged as a substantial security threat.

She underlined that the lack of security in any part of the country has an economic impact that goes beyond the affected area. Security is among the key drivers of economic investment and growth. Building ‘Surakshit Bharat’ is necessary for building ‘Samriddh Bharat’, the President added.

She said that social media has transformed the world of information and communication. It has the potential for both creation and destruction. Protecting people from misinformation is a very challenging task. This task must be carried out continuously and very effectively.

The President said that the most complex challenges to national security are non-traditional and digital in nature. Most of these problems originate from cutting-edge technologies. The growing problem of digital fraud requires vigilance at the household, institutional, and community levels. Digital platforms can empower citizens to report phishing, digital fraud, and online abuse, she added.