PM Modi celebrates Deepawali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Deepawali with security personnel at CRPF camp in Chhattsigarh's Bastar district,choosing to spend the festival in a region that was once known as the hotbed of Naxals. In his interaction with the security personnel, he said that our government took decisions that dealt very big blows to the funding of Naxals and secessionists. Modi recalled that, at one point, more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states were affected by Naxalism. He said that large parts of the country, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, were affected by this menace. Modi highlighted that between 2004 and 2013, the number of security personnel martyred every year was higher than the number of Naxalites killed. He said that the governments at the time treated Naxalism as an incurable disease and failed to address the issue. Modi highlighted for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF jawan has lost his life on duty in the past year. Prime Minister said, this is a victory for the country’s right policies and strong resolve.

#WATCH | Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Previous governments had also kept the hands of security personnel fighting on the ground tied. Naxalite attacks would take place, but security forces did not have the freedom to retaliate openly. We gave the security forces the freedom to take all necessary decisions. We also worked to stop the support that certain people within the government and the system had extended to Left-Wing Extremism... We worked with sensitivity and broke the backbone of Maoist terrorism. With a spirit of service, we transformed the lives of people in Naxal-affected areas. That is why even those who suffered due to Naxalism have stood firmly with the government and security forces. Many citizens who contributed significantly to winning this major battle are also present here today. I express my gratitude to all of them." (Source: DD)

— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2026

The Prime Minister said when the country works with the spirit of Nation First, peace and security are ensured and the nation reaches new heights of development. Modi said that over the past twelve years, the country has not only won the battle against Naxalism and separatism but has also made significant progress in the fight against poverty. He highlighted that, on the one hand, 50 crore people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, while, on the other hand, Naxal violence has come to an end in the country.