Naxalism confined to just 5-6 districts now: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Hyderabad: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said 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.