PM Modi Flags Illegal Immigration and ‘Urban Naxals’ as Major Threats to National Security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again placed internal security at the centre of national discourse, warning that illegal immigration and what he describes as “urban Naxals” pose serious challenges to India’s stability, sovereignty, and social harmony. His remarks underline the government’s view that threats to national security are no longer confined to borders or armed insurgencies alone but have increasingly taken complex and internal forms.

Speaking at a public event linked to party organisation, the Prime Minister emphasised that safeguarding the nation requires confronting both visible and invisible threats that undermine governance, economic opportunity, and societal trust.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with newly elected BJP national president Nitin Nabin (left) and outgoing party president JP Nadda at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday. (PTI) | Hindustan Times

Illegal Immigration and Its Security Implications

Illegal immigration, Modiji asserted, is not merely an administrative issue but a growing national security concern. He pointed out that no country in the world permits unauthorised entry into its territory and argued that India must also act firmly to identify and remove those residing in the country without legal status. According to him, unchecked illegal immigration strains public resources, alters demographic balances, and deprives local citizens—particularly the poor and youth—of employment and welfare opportunities.

The Prime Minister also accused certain political forces of turning a blind eye to illegal immigration for electoral considerations. He maintained that such practices weaken the rule of law and compromise long-term national interests, calling for greater transparency and accountability in addressing the issue.

The ‘Urban Naxal’ Narrative and Internal Challenges

Alongside illegal immigration, Modiji highlighted what he termed “urban Naxals” as another significant internal threat. The phrase is often used by the ruling establishment to describe individuals or groups operating in urban spaces who, according to the government, seek to weaken the nation through ideological subversion, misinformation, or by attacking democratic institutions.

Modiji claimed that such elements operate under the guise of activism or intellectual discourse while allegedly working against national unity. He argued that their influence has grown over the years and warned that society must remain alert to narratives that aim to erode faith in the state, its institutions, and democratic processes.

Naxalism: Declining Violence but Persistent Vigilance

While discussing internal security, the broader issue of Naxalism also remains relevant. The government has consistently stated that left-wing extremism has significantly declined over the past decade due to sustained security operations, development initiatives, and improved coordination between central and state agencies. Several districts once affected by Maoist violence have reported reduced incidents, and authorities have set ambitious targets to eliminate the threat entirely in the coming years.

However, the leadership maintains that ideological offshoots of extremism, especially in urban environments, require a different approach—one that combines intelligence, legal action, and public awareness.

Political Context and Ongoing Debate

The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a time when issues of citizenship, security, and governance are at the forefront of political debate. Critics argue that terms like “urban Naxal” risk blurring the line between dissent and anti-national activity, raising concerns about civil liberties. Supporters, on the other hand, view the government’s stance as a necessary response to evolving security threats in a rapidly changing socio-political landscape.

The debate reflects a broader challenge faced by democracies worldwide: balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect national integrity and public order.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks place internal security firmly within the larger framework of national stability, arguing that modern threats are no longer limited to borders or armed conflict. Illegal immigration is presented as a structural challenge that affects governance, public resources, employment opportunities, and demographic balance, particularly impacting economically weaker sections. By framing it as a security concern rather than a routine administrative issue, the emphasis is on enforcing the rule of law uniformly and addressing what is seen as political reluctance to act decisively due to electoral considerations.

Alongside this, the focus on so-called “urban Naxals” reflects concerns about ideological threats operating within urban and institutional spaces. The argument highlights how narratives, misinformation, and sustained attacks on democratic institutions can gradually weaken societal trust and national unity, even as traditional Naxal violence has declined. The broader message stresses the need for constant vigilance against evolving forms of extremism, combining security measures with legal and institutional responses, while the wider debate continues over how democracies balance internal security with freedom of expression.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, DD News)