PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security forces in Bastar, says every district is now Naxal-free
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in India’s fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). He said this was the first Diwali on which every district in the country was free from Naxalism, marking the end of a decades-long challenge to India’s internal security.
Addressing personnel from the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, state police forces and other security units, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for their sacrifice, dedication and commitment to national security. He said he had travelled to Bastar to celebrate the achievement with the security forces and convey the gratitude of 140 crore Indians.
“At the borders and within the country, the sentinels of the nation who protect the country, the brave sons of Maa Bharati, all of you are my loved ones, all of you are a part of my family,” PM Modi said.
Historic Achievement in India’s Internal Security
Highlighting a significant achievement in the country’s security history, the Prime Minister said that, for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel member had lost their life while on duty during the past year. He attributed the achievement to the government’s security policies, strong political resolve and the courage and restraint displayed by security personnel.
“This is the victory of the country’s right policies and firm willpower, and this is the victory of your valour, courage and restraint,” the PM said.
Recalling the difficult years when Left-Wing Extremism affected more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states, PM Modi highlighted the violence, loss of lives and disruption of normal life caused by Naxal activities. He noted that Chhattisgarh alone had witnessed the martyrdom of more than 1,000 security personnel over the years.
The Prime Minister also recalled the devastating 2010 Dantewada attacks, in which 76 CRPF personnel and 44 civilians lost their lives in separate incidents.
Strong Security Measures and Operational Freedom
The Prime Minister said that after 2014, the government adopted a more decisive approach to tackling Naxalism, reversing the earlier trend in which security personnel suffered greater casualties. He highlighted several security measures, including action against the financial networks of extremist organisations, disruption of fake currency channels and the choking of their supply chains for weapons and recruitment.
PM Modi said security forces were given full operational freedom to take the necessary decisions to eliminate the threat.
The Prime Minister stressed that the government’s objective was not merely to defeat armed extremism but also to ensure that no mother lost her child, no family was destroyed and no young person was driven towards taking up arms.
Development and Public Welfare in Naxal-Affected Areas
Emphasising that security operations must go hand in hand with development, Prime Minister Modi said the government had transformed the lives of people in Naxal-affected regions through infrastructure expansion, welfare initiatives and public engagement.
The PM observed that local communities, including people who had suffered because of Naxal violence, had increasingly stood alongside the government and security forces.
The Prime Minister highlighted major infrastructure achievements in Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas, including:
– More than 15,000 kilometres of roads constructed.
– Over 9,500 mobile towers installed.
– Nearly 175 Eklavya Model Residential Schools established.
– Around 50 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) developed.
– Approximately 50 Skill Development Centres established.
– Thousands of post offices, bank branches and ATMs brought to underserved areas.
PM Modi also highlighted initiatives under PM JANMAN, which have helped extend basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity and road connectivity to remote tribal villages.
The PM said these initiatives had helped restore access to education, healthcare, communication and economic opportunities in areas previously isolated by extremist violence.
50 Crore People Lifted Out of Extreme Poverty
Linking India’s achievements in internal security with its progress in poverty reduction, the Prime Minister said the country had recorded two major victories over the past 12 years.
“Today, on one hand, 50 crore people have come out of extreme poverty; on the other hand, Naxal violence has also come to an end in the country,” he said.
Referring to a recently released World Bank report, PM Modi stated that approximately 50 crore Indians had moved out of extreme poverty over the past 12 years. He credited the government’s welfare initiatives, including Jan Dhan bank accounts, PM Awas Yojana, Mudra loans, PM SVANidhi, Ayushman Bharat, free foodgrain distribution, Swachh Bharat and Har Ghar Jal, with improving living conditions and strengthening financial security among disadvantaged communities.
Prime Minister Modi described these schemes as different elements of a larger development framework that had helped families overcome longstanding hardships and build confidence in their future.
Bastar’s Transformation: From Conflict to Opportunity
Highlighting the changing face of Bastar, the Prime Minister cited the ongoing Bastar Olympics as a symbol 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 remarked.
The Prime Minister said the transformation demonstrated how peace, development and public participation could create new opportunities for younger generations.
PM Modi also praised the cooperation of local residents in the fight against Naxalism, acknowledging their role in restoring peace and normality across the region
Call for a Developed and Drug-Free India
Additionally, PM Modi said the achievement of making the country free from Naxalism should be seen as a new beginning rather than the end of the nation’s responsibilities. He urged security personnel and citizens to work towards building a developed, self-reliant and drug-free India, while reiterating the government’s commitment to eradicating poverty.
Recalling the successful implementation of major national commitments, including the abrogation of Article 370, the construction of household toilets and the expansion of vaccination coverage, the PM expressed confidence that India would achieve its remaining national goals.
PM Modi further said the sacrifices and dedication of security personnel would serve as a strong foundation for the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Prime Minister extended his Diwali greetings to the security forces and their families, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude towards those who dedicate their lives to protecting the country.
The post PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security forces in Bastar, says every district is now Naxal-free appeared first on DD India.
No Comment! Be the first one.