PM Modi to Celebrate Diwali with Bravehearts in Bastar
PM Narendra Modi visits Bastar, Chhattisgarh to celebrate Diwali with security forces and laud the CRPF for a historic operational milestone.
In a gesture of gratitude and solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is traveling to the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh to celebrate the festival of Diwali with the security personnel stationed there. These brave soldiers are currently deployed in high-stakes anti-Naxal operations, ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
A Shift from Conflict to Development
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister reflected on the dramatic change the region has undergone. He noted that Bastar, which was once a stronghold where Naxalism dominated, is now witnessing a period of rapid development and flourishing peace.
"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," the Prime Minister stated.
CRPF’s Historic 'Zero Fatality' Milestone
The visit comes at a time of significant achievement for the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The force recently marked a historic milestone by recording 12 consecutive months without a single operational fatality. The last operational casualty was recorded on October 30, 2025.
Prime Minister Modi lauded this achievement with a brief but powerful message on X, describing the milestone as "A ZERO that speaks volumes."
How the Milestone Was Achieved
DG CRPF GP Singh attributed this success to a combination of modern strategy and better resources. According to the DG, the following factors played a crucial role:
- Modern Hardware: The provision of the latest and most contemporary equipment.
- Enhanced Training: Improved training protocols and strategic planning.
- Rapid Response: A heightened focus on post-incident response, specifically the high-speed evacuation of injured personnel to advanced medical facilities.
DG Singh emphasized that this milestone is particularly significant because it occurred while the force remained intensely engaged in major operational theaters, achieving breakthrough results in the fight against insurgency.
The Road to a Naxal-Free Bastar
For years, Naxalism acted as a primary barrier to progress in Bastar. However, as security strengthens and peace is restored, the region is poised for a surge in essential development. Key sectors expected to gain fresh momentum include:
- Education and Healthcare
- Road infrastructure and Electricity
- Communication and Tourism
- Employment opportunities for local youth
The Government's Dual Strategy
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been a central figure in the campaign to eradicate Naxalism. The government's approach has been two-pronged: offering a path back to society for those who renounce violence and surrender, while maintaining a strict, law-enforcement-led crackdown on those who continue to endanger innocent citizens.
This balanced policy has already seen a significant number of individuals choose to leave the path of violence and rejoin the mainstream society.