Light Over Terror: Sukma Police Celebrate Diwali in Maoist Commander's Village
Sukma police celebrated Diwali in Puvarti, the former stronghold of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, as India declares victory over Naxalism.
In a powerful symbol of peace and transformation, the Sukma police recently celebrated the festival of lights with the residents of Puvarti village. The occasion was particularly poignant as Puvarti is the native village of the notorious Maoist commander Madvi Hidma, a region that has long been a focal point of insurgency but has now been declared Naxal-free.
A Village Transformed
The celebration in Puvarti marks a stark departure from the area's violent past. For years, the village was associated with the influence of Madvi Hidma, a 43-year-old top Maoist commander. Hidma was allegedly linked to at least 26 deadly assaults targeting civilians and security forces. Among his most brutal actions was the 2017 Sukma attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.
The tide turned on November 18, 2025, when Hidma was eliminated in an encounter, paving the way for security forces to reclaim the region and bring the residents of Puvarti back into the national fold.
Prime Minister Salutes the Brave in Bastar
While police celebrated on the ground in Puvarti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spent his Diwali in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The Prime Minister joined security personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations to honor their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to the nation.
Sharing his experience on X, the Prime Minister noted the dramatic shift in the region. He described Bastar as a place where Naxalism once held absolute sway, but which 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.
A Historic Milestone: Naxal-Free India
Addressing the security forces, Prime Minister Modi declared that Diwali 2026 holds a unique significance in Indian history. He announced that the nation has finally won its decades-long battle against Maoist terror, stating that every single district in the country is now free from Naxalism.
The Prime Minister emphasized that this victory has liberated crores of citizens from the pervasive fear that the insurgency had instilled for generations.
The Strategy Behind the Victory
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been a central figure in the campaign to eradicate Naxalism. The government's approach was built on a dual strategy: a firm hand against those who endangered innocent lives and a welcoming door for those willing to leave violence behind.
- Rehabilitation: Individuals who abandoned violence and surrendered were encouraged and allowed to rejoin mainstream society.
- Enforcement: Security forces maintained a strict mandate to act against those who continued to break the law.
This balanced policy led to a surge in surrenders, as many insurgents chose to leave the forests and return to their families and the mainstream, contributing to the eventual liberation of districts like Sukma.