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PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security forces in Bastar, highlights India's progress against Naxalism and major development initiatives.
Bastar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar, describing the country's progress in tackling Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) as a historic achievement. He said India had reached a significant milestone, with every district now free from Naxalism.
Addressing personnel from the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB and state police forces, the Prime Minister thanked them for their courage, dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. He said he had come to Bastar to celebrate the achievement with security personnel and convey the gratitude of 140 crore Indians.
"The brave sons of Maa Bharati who protect the nation are all members of my family," Modi said.
Highlighting a major achievement in internal security, Modi said that for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel member had lost their life in the line of duty during the past year.
He attributed the achievement to the government's security policies, strong political commitment and the courage and restraint of security personnel.
Recalling the impact of Left-Wing Extremism over the years, he said more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states had once been affected by Naxal violence. Chhattisgarh alone had witnessed the martyrdom of more than 1,000 security personnel. He also recalled the 2010 Dantewada attacks, in which 76 CRPF personnel and 44 civilians lost their lives in separate incidents.
The Prime Minister said the government had adopted a decisive approach to eliminating Naxalism after 2014. Measures included targeting the financial networks of extremist organisations, disrupting fake currency operations and choking the supply chains of weapons and recruitment.
He said security forces had been given full operational freedom to take necessary action against extremist groups.
Modi stressed that the objective was not merely to defeat armed extremism but also to prevent families from losing their loved ones and ensure that young people were not driven towards violence.
Emphasising the importance of development alongside security operations, Modi highlighted major infrastructure initiatives in previously Naxal-affected regions.
The achievements included:
He also highlighted the PM JANMAN initiative, which has extended essential facilities such as drinking water, electricity and road connectivity to remote tribal villages.
Linking the country's security achievements with economic progress, Modi said nearly 50 crore people had moved out of extreme poverty over the past 12 years.
Referring to a recently released World Bank report, he credited welfare programmes such as Jan Dhan, PM Awas Yojana, Mudra loans, PM SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, free foodgrain distribution, Swachh Bharat and Har Ghar Jal for improving living conditions among disadvantaged communities.
He described poverty reduction and the decline of Naxal violence as two major achievements of the country.
Highlighting the changing situation in Bastar, the Prime Minister cited the Bastar Olympics as an example of the region's transformation.
"Today, in this very Bastar, the Bastar Olympics are taking place, and children are trying their hand at sports, not guns," he said.
He appreciated the cooperation of local communities in the fight against Naxalism and said peace and development were creating new opportunities for younger generations.
Modi said the achievement against Naxalism should mark the beginning of a new phase in India's development journey. He urged security personnel and citizens to work towards building a developed, self-reliant and drug-free India.
Referring to major national initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of household toilets and the expansion of vaccination coverage, he expressed confidence that the country would achieve its remaining national goals.
The Prime Minister concluded by extending Diwali greetings to security personnel and their families, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to protecting the nation.
