Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to Bastar in Chhattisgarh to celebrate Diwali alongside security personnel currently deployed in anti-Naxal operations. The visit serves as a symbolic acknowledgement of the region's evolving security landscape, shifting from a long-standing stronghold of Left-Wing Extremism to an area the government describes as increasingly defined by peace and development.
In a public message shared on the social media platform X, the Prime Minister reflected on the progress made in the region. “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,” he stated. He added that the visit was intended to pay tribute to the security personnel for their selfless service, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment to the nation.
The Prime Minister’s visit follows a significant operational achievement by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Ahead of the festival, the force recorded 12 consecutive months without a single operational fatality, with the last such recorded incident occurring on October 30, 2025. Upon learning of this accomplishment, the Prime Minister praised the force with a brief message, stating, “A ZERO that speaks volumes.”
CRPF Director General GP Singh attributed this milestone to a combination of strategic improvements, including the provision of modern hardware and refined operational planning. According to Singh, enhanced training and a sharpened focus on post-incident responses—specifically the implementation of high-speed evacuation protocols for injured personnel to secondary and tertiary medical facilities—have been instrumental in safeguarding troops during active engagements.
The region of Bastar has historically been a critical theatre for Left-Wing Extremism in India. For years, the presence of these groups hindered development efforts and posed significant security challenges to the local population. However, recent government strategies have aimed to integrate security operations with developmental initiatives. These efforts focus on improving infrastructure, including road connectivity, electricity, and telecommunications, while simultaneously enhancing access to education and healthcare services.
Beyond security and infrastructure, the government has emphasized rehabilitation measures designed to bring affected communities into the mainstream. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has repeatedly articulated a policy of encouraging those who renounce violence to surrender, while maintaining a firm stance against armed groups that continue to threaten civilian life. Reports indicate that the ongoing campaign has already led several Naxal cadres to surrender, choosing to abandon violence for a return to mainstream society.
As the central government continues its dual approach of security and development, the ongoing shift in Bastar remains a central point of the administration's internal security narrative. With security conditions showing signs of improvement, officials expect that initiatives in tourism and local employment will gain further momentum. The Prime Minister’s Diwali visit reinforces the government’s stated commitment to this transition, ensuring that the progress achieved in the region is both maintained and expanded in the coming years.
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