First Diwali where Naxalism has been eliminated: PM celebrates with jawans in Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, calling 2026 a historic year in India's fight against Naxalism. He credited soldiers and security forces for helping free every district from Maoist insurgency.PM Modi addressed to army jawans at Chhattisgarh's Bastar. (Credits: X/Narendra Modi)Bastar, Chhattisgarh,Nov 8, 2026 12:44 ISTPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, describing 2026 as a historic year in India's fight against Naxalism and Maoist insurgency. He said the country had won its decades-long battle against the threat and credited security forces for their sacrifices and commitment.Addressing personnel during his visit, Modi said this was the first Diwali in which every district in the country was free from Naxalism. He also said crores of Indians could celebrate the festival without the fear of Maoist violence.“Diwali in 2026 is truly special. After 40-50 years, such a Diwali has come for you. This is the first Diwali when the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism,” he said.“This is the first Diwali when crores of countrymen have overcome the fear of Naxalism. This is an extraordinary achievement, and a great deal of credit goes to you. It belongs to millions of brave men and women like you, our soldiers and security personnel. That is why I have come here today to celebrate Diwali with you,” the Prime Minister added.PM MODI THANKS SECURITY PERSONNEL FOR THEIR SACRIFICES Modi said he had also visited Bastar on behalf of the country's 140 crore people to express gratitude for the sacrifices, dedication and spirit of service shown by security personnel.He underlined the link between internal and external security, saying that a strong internal security system was essential to prevent external threats. “When a nation's internal security is strong, external enemies cannot succeed. However, when internal security is weakened, external enemies also begin to raise their heads,” he said.Comparing the role of security personnel within the country with that of armed forces guarding India's borders, Modi said both played an important role in protecting the nation's unity and integrity.“The role played by our armed forces at the borders is the same role that all of you security personnel play within the country. You have made countless sacrifices for the unity and integrity of the nation. You have made immense personal sacrifices,” he said.The Prime Minister said millions of Indians were proud of the security personnel and extended Diwali greetings to those deployed across the country.“Crores of countrymen are proud of you. With this sense of gratitude and belonging, I extend my heartfelt Diwali greetings to all of you, wherever you are stationed and standing guard,” he said.PM CREDITS FORCES FOR FIGHT AGAINST NAXALISMModi described the country's progress in tackling Naxalism as an extraordinary achievement and credited security personnel for their role in the campaign against Maoist insurgency.His remarks highlighted the contribution of soldiers, police personnel and security forces deployed in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism. He said their sacrifices had helped strengthen India's internal security and protect the country's unity and integrity.The Prime Minister's visit to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security personnel also served as an acknowledgement of their service and the personal sacrifices made by those guarding the country.- Ends