PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Security Forces in Bastar, Says Every District in India Is Now Free from Naxalism.
Prime Minister honours security personnel for their sacrifices, highlights historic decline in Naxal violence and development initiatives in affected regions.
Bastar (Chhattisgarh):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, on Saturday, describing the occasion as particularly significant as India has entered its first Diwali after the government’s declared success in eliminating Naxalism from every district of the country.
Addressing personnel from various security forces, the Prime Minister paid tribute to their courage, dedication and sacrifices in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. He said he had visited Bastar to express the gratitude of 140 crore Indians towards the security personnel whose efforts had contributed to making the country free from Naxal violence.
Modi recalled his previous Diwali celebrations with soldiers at Kargil, Lepcha in the Himalayas, Sir Creek and aboard INS Vikrant, saying that security personnel deployed both along the borders and within the country were members of his extended family.
He described the 2026 Diwali as a historic occasion, stating that for the first time every district in the country had been freed from Naxalism and millions of people had overcome the fear associated with Maoist violence.
No CRPF Personnel Killed on Duty in Past One Year
Highlighting the achievements in internal security, the Prime Minister said that for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF jawan had lost his life while performing duty during the past year.
He attributed this development to what he described as appropriate national security policies, firm political resolve and the courage, restraint and determination of security personnel.
Recalling the earlier situation, Modi said Left-Wing Extremism had once affected more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states. Naxal violence had disrupted normal life, restricted people’s freedom and created an atmosphere of fear, particularly in remote and tribal regions.
He referred to the large number of attacks on security forces and civilians during the earlier years, including the 2010 Dantewada attacks, in which 76 CRPF personnel and 44 civilians were killed in separate incidents.
The Prime Minister said that between 2004 and 2013, security personnel were losing their lives in larger numbers than Naxals were being eliminated annually. He said the government had changed this trend after 2014 by strengthening its approach towards internal security.
Tough Measures to Disrupt Naxal Funding and Supply Networks
Modi said the government had taken several important national security decisions to weaken the financial and operational networks of Naxal organisations.
He explained that measures targeting Naxal funding, separatist financing and fake currency networks had weakened their economic resources and disrupted the supply of weapons and other logistical support.
The Prime Minister said security forces had been given operational freedom to take necessary decisions while carrying out counter-Naxal operations.
He added that the government’s objective had been to ensure that no mother lost her child, no family was destroyed by violence and no young person was forced to take up arms.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, state police forces, India Reserve Battalions, Bastar Fighters and women security personnel in the campaign against Naxalism.
Development Initiatives Changed Lives in Naxal-Affected Areas
Emphasising that security operations alone could not bring lasting peace, the Prime Minister said the government had simultaneously focused on improving living conditions in Naxal-affected regions.
He said the combination of security measures and development initiatives had helped win the confidence of local communities, including people who had suffered under Naxal violence.
According to the Prime Minister, more than 15,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas. The government had also facilitated the installation of over 9,500 mobile towers and established nearly 175 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, around 50 Industrial Training Institutes and 50 Skill Development Centres.
Thousands of post offices, bank branches and ATMs had also been established to improve access to essential services in remote areas.
He said special initiatives under PM JANMAN had helped extend basic facilities such as electricity, drinking water and road connectivity to remote tribal villages.
Modi added that the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxals was also an important component of the government’s approach towards restoring peace.
50 Crore People Lifted Out of Extreme Poverty
Linking the country’s progress in internal security with its efforts to eradicate poverty, the Prime Minister said India had achieved two significant milestones over the past 12 years.
He stated that approximately 50 crore people had come out of extreme poverty during this period, while Naxal violence had also been brought to an end across the country.
Referring to a recently released World Bank report, Modi highlighted the reported reduction in extreme poverty and said welfare programmes had played an important role in improving the lives of economically weaker sections.
He cited initiatives such as Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM Awas Yojana, Mudra loans, PM SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, free foodgrain distribution, Swachh Bharat and Har Ghar Jal.
According to him, these programmes had helped families access banking facilities, housing, healthcare, education, financial assistance and basic amenities, reducing the economic hardships faced by poor households.
Bastar Olympics Reflect Changing Aspirations of Youth
The Prime Minister said the transformation in Bastar was visible in the changing aspirations of its younger generation.
Referring to the ongoing Bastar Olympics, he said local children were increasingly participating in sporting activities rather than being drawn towards violence.
He described the sporting event as a symbol of the region’s changing environment and growing opportunities for young people.
Modi said the government’s approach of ensuring development alongside security operations had helped strengthen public participation in the national development process.
Calls for Drug-Free, Self-Reliant and Developed India
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister said the achievements in tackling Naxalism and poverty should be treated as a foundation for India’s future progress rather than the final destination.
He expressed confidence that the country would achieve its broader goals of becoming drug-free, self-reliant and developed.
Referring to earlier national commitments, including the abrogation of Article 370, construction of household toilets and expansion of vaccination programmes, he said India had demonstrated its ability to fulfil major national objectives through collective determination.
He urged security personnel and citizens to continue working towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, saying their sacrifices and dedication would provide a strong foundation for the country’s development.
The Prime Minister concluded by extending Diwali greetings to security personnel and their families, acknowledging their contribution to maintaining the country’s security and peace.
