New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel deployed in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, marking what he described as a historic occasion following the country’s major success in its decades long fight against Naxalism.
Addressing the security forces, Modi said Diwali 2026 was particularly significant as it was the first time every district in the country was free from Naxalism. He highlighted the progress made against Maoist insurgency and said millions of citizens could now celebrate the festival without the fear that had affected several regions for decades.
However, the Prime Minister cautioned that the threat had not completely disappeared. Referring to what he termed “dimagi Naxals”, he alleged that ideological elements had infiltrated political parties and various organisations and continued to provoke people against the Constitution and democracy.
He stressed the need to identify and counter such elements to protect the country’s security and democratic institutions. Modi had previously used the term during his Independence Day address at the Red Fort, triggering political disagreements between the BJP and opposition leaders.
The Prime Minister also highlighted a major achievement by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), stating that no personnel had been killed in action over the past year for the first time in 47 years. He credited the achievement to the courage, dedication and restraint of security personnel.
Recalling the deadly Maoist attacks in Dantewada in 2010, when dozens of CRPF personnel and civilians lost their lives, Modi underlined the dramatic improvement in the security situation.
Bastar, once considered a stronghold of Maoist insurgency, has witnessed significant changes through sustained security operations, surrender initiatives and development programmes.
Modi described the progress as the beginning of a new journey, urging security personnel to remain committed to building a peaceful and developed India. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians for their sacrifices and service to the nation.
