Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to Bastar in Chhattisgarh to celebrate Diwali with security personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations in the region, highlighting the transformation of an area
that was once a stronghold of Left-Wing Extremism.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister described Bastar’s changing landscape, saying that the region, which was once dominated by Naxalism, was now witnessing peace and development.
“Heading to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is an area where Naxalism once held sway, and now, development is flourishing. I am going to salute our brave security personnel for their sacrifices, selfless service and unwavering devotion to the nation,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister’s visit comes as security forces continue operations against Naxal groups in the Bastar region, which has long been one of the main centres of Left-Wing Extremism in the country.
PM Modi Lauds CRPF For 12 Months Without Operational Fatality
Ahead of his visit, the Prime Minister also praised the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for achieving a significant milestone of 12 consecutive months without an operational fatality.
The force recorded its last operational fatality on October 30, 2025. Reacting to the achievement, PM Modi shared a brief but pointed message on X, saying, “A ZERO that speaks volumes.”
CRPF Director General GP Singh attributed the milestone to improvements in equipment, training, operational planning and medical response mechanisms.
“Provision of latest and contemporary hardware, better training and strategic planning, along with focus on post-incident response, including high-speed evacuation of injured personnel to secondary and tertiary medical facilities, has contributed immensely in achieving this milestone,” Singh said.
He added that the achievement was particularly significant as the force continued to remain deployed and actively engaged across major operational theatres, recording important breakthroughs.
The CRPF chief reiterated the force’s commitment to keeping the country peaceful and safe for all citizens.
Bastar’s Transformation As Naxalism Retreats
The CRPF has been at the forefront of operations against Naxalism in Bastar, where Left-Wing Extremism had long affected security and hindered development.
With security conditions improving, development initiatives in sectors such as education, healthcare, road connectivity, electricity, communication, tourism and employment are expected to gain momentum.
The government’s efforts have focused on combining security operations with development initiatives and rehabilitation measures to bring affected communities into the mainstream.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism. The Centre’s stated policy is to encourage those who abandon violence and surrender to return to mainstream society, while taking action against those who continue armed activities and threaten civilians.
Several Naxal cadres have surrendered during the ongoing campaign, choosing to give up violence and return to mainstream life.
