Fri Jul 04 20:58:45 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
**The Hindu: Maoism’s Grip Weakens, India Vows Strong Response to Terrorism**
**Hyderabad, July 5, 2025** – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared on Friday that Maoist influence in India is dwindling, now confined to only a handful of districts. Speaking at the 128th birth anniversary celebration of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, Singh stated the government is committed to making the entire country Maoist-free by March 31st of next year, emphasizing the transformation of the ‘Red Corridor’ into a ‘growth corridor’.
Singh also addressed the recent Pahalgam terror attack, referencing ‘Operation Sindoor’ and emphasizing that India only targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, adhering to ethical principles and avoiding civilian or military sites. He drew a parallel to the Ramayana, stating India will respond with equal force to future acts of terrorism.
He lauded Sitarama Raju as a symbol of courage, duty, and karma, highlighting the government’s efforts to fulfill Raju’s vision for tribal development through various central initiatives. Singh emphasized the importance of cultural heritage in a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat praised Sitarama Raju as an inspiration, while Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
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