NEW DELHI, Dec 23: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said left-wing extremism in the country is close to being completely eradicated, attributing the success to sustained and intensive action by security forces and intelligence agencies, coupled with a people-centric development approach.
Addressing the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture on “People-Centric National Security: Community Participation in Building Viksit Bharat”, the President said winning the trust of local communities has been central to tackling the menace.
She noted that holistic initiatives aimed at socio-economic inclusion in tribal and remote areas have significantly reduced the scope for exploitation by left-wing extremist and insurgent groups. “Promoting development and inclusion has proved effective in countering extremist influence,” she said.
Commending the Intelligence Bureau for its role in safeguarding national unity and integrity, President Murmu emphasised that civil police and internal security agencies must work with a spirit of public service. “Trust between people and security institutions is the foundation of a people centric national security strategy, where community participation is essential,” she added.
Highlighting India’s evolving security landscape, the President said the country continues to face multidimensional challenges, including border tensions, terrorism, militancy, insurgency and communal radicalisation. She pointed out that cybercrime has emerged as a major non-traditional security threat in recent years.
She stressed that insecurity in any region has broader economic consequences, noting that security is a critical driver of investment and growth. “Building a Surakshit Bharat is necessary for building a Samriddh Bharat,” she said.
Referring to the growing influence of social media, President Murmu said while digital platforms offer immense opportunities, they also pose serious risks through misinformation and misuse. Protecting citizens from digital threats, including fraud and online abuse, requires constant vigilance at household, institutional and community levels, she said.
The President concluded by underlining that many of today’s most complex security challenges stem from emerging technologies, making public awareness and participation crucial in strengthening India’s national security framework.