- First Diwali in Maoist-free Bastar marks historic victory against insurgency; PM says threat of ‘Naxalism in minds’ remains
Bastar (Chhatisgarh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel deployed at Karanpur in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, marking the first festival in the region since the elimination of Maoist insurgency. Addressing the personnel, Modi described the country’s success against Naxalism as a historic victory for security forces but cautioned that the threat had not completely disappeared.
‘Threat of Ideological Naxalism Still Exists’
The Prime Minister said armed Maoists had been eliminated from forests, but the danger of “ideological Naxalism” continued to persist. He alleged that ideological Naxalites had established influence over several political parties and social organisations, warning that the country needed to remain vigilant against such elements.
Modi described Diwali 2026 as historic, stating that every district in India had now been freed from the fear of Naxalism. He criticised previous governments for treating the insurgency as an incurable problem before 2014, asserting that strong political determination after that year helped eliminate the menace.
CRPF Records Zero Operational Deaths in a Year
Paying tribute to the courage of security personnel, Modi highlighted a significant achievement of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). For the first time in its 47-year operational history, the force recorded no operational fatalities among its personnel during a 12-month period.
The achievement, he said, reflected improved government policies, modern equipment, better medical support and the exceptional courage of security personnel. Earlier, Maoist attacks had caused devastating casualties, including the 2010 Dantewada attack in which 76 security personnel were killed.
Modi’s Tradition of Celebrating Diwali With Soldiers
Since becoming Prime Minister, Modi has regularly celebrated Diwali with security personnel stationed in border and remote areas. His previous visits included Siachen in 2014, the Dograi War Memorial in Punjab in 2015, Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, Longewala in Rajasthan in 2020, Kargil in 2022, Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh in 2023 and Kutch in Gujarat in 2024. Bastar marked his latest such visit in 2026.
Bastar Moves Towards Peace and Development
The Centre had declared the country free from Left-Wing Extremism on March 31 following operations against senior Maoist commanders and the surrender of hundreds of cadres.
After decades of insurgency, Bastar is now moving towards peace, security and development. Modi thanked security personnel on behalf of 140 crore Indians and extended Diwali greetings to them, acknowledging their sacrifices and dedication to the nation.
