Modi heads to Bastar for Diwali with security forces

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is heading to Bastar in Chhattisgarh to celebrate the auspicious festival of Diwali with the security personnel deployed in anti-Naxal operations in the region.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the remarkable transformation of Bastar, saying that it once was a hub where Naxalism held sway, and is now witnessing flourishing peace and rapid development.

"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," he said.

The CRPF recently marked a significant milestone in their history with 12 consecutive months without any operational fatality in the force. The last operational fatality in the force was on Oct 30th 2025.

According to DG CRPF GP Singh, "Provision of latest & contemporary hardware, better training & strategic planning along with focus on post incident response including high speed evacuation of injured personnel to secondary and tertiary medical facilities has contributed immensely in achieving this milestone. It's specially significant since this has happened while we continue to be deployed and engage intensely in all the major operational theatres achieving significant breakthrough results. We remain committed to keep the country peaceful & safe for all its citizens."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the paramilitary force for achieving the historic milestone.

Reacting to the milestone, Prime Minister Modi shared a brief yet powerful commendation on X: "A ZERO that speaks volumes".

The CRPF has been at the forefront of uprooting Naxalism in the Bastar region. Naxalism had long been a major obstacle to development, particularly in Bastar. With peace and security now being strengthened, development activities in education, healthcare, roads, electricity, communication, tourism and employment will gain fresh momentum.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been at the forefront to ensure the end of Naxalism. According to Shah, the government's policy is clear: those who abandon violence and surrender are allowed to rejoin mainstream society, while security forces act against those who break the law and endanger innocent citizens. Many people have surrendered and chosen to return to the mainstream during the campaign.