Bastar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address among the soldiers in Chhattisgarh, said that this is the first Diwali after achieving victory over Naxalism. I wish all the best to all the soldiers. He said that when internal security is strong then the external enemy cannot do anything. Only when internal security is weak does the external enemy become dominant. He praised the bravery of the soldiers for the victory over Naxalism and paid tribute to their sacrifice.
PM Modi said that there was a time when more number of our brave soldiers were martyred than the number of Naxalites were killed. The heads of Naxalite organizations used to celebrate. Unfortunately, Naxalism was abandoned by the then governments as an incurable disease. It was accepted that it would continue like this.
The country does not run with the approach of ‘it will continue like this’
Friends, no country follows the ‘it will continue like this’ approach towards its enemies. To move the country forward, enemies have to be crushed with great courage. The lack of political will for this was resolved in 2014. You gave this prime servant a chance to serve Mother India. After 2014, the situation and figures started changing. There was discussion about the number of soldiers being considered more than the Naxalites. For the first time in the last 47 years, it happened that not a single CRPF soldier lost his life in a year. This is the victory of your (soldiers) bravery, courage and restraint. Right intentions and right policies are necessary for success.
We gave freedom to the security forces to take every decision
PM Modi said, ‘Earlier governments had tied the hands of the security forces. We gave freedom to take every decision. We also worked to stop the support that leftist extremism was getting. We are working towards a bigger goal. Our aim was that no mother’s lap should be empty. No youth’s future should be ruined. So until this goal was not achieved. We continued with determination. No publicity. No pretense. By working with sensitivity, we broke the back of Maoist terrorism.
you all are my family members
Earlier, while starting his address, PM Modi said, ‘Today, crores of Indians across the country and in every corner of the world are celebrating the holy festival of lights, Diwali. People are returning to their homes from far and wide. It is a special occasion for families and loved ones to come together to celebrate the festival. I have also come to celebrate Diwali among you. Those who protect the nation on the borders and within the country, the sentinels of the country and the brave sons and daughters of Mother India, you all are members of my family.
He said, ‘You all are part of my family. This time I have come to celebrate Diwali with you in the forests of Bastar. This is the land where there was once the terror of Naxalism. But due to your sacrifice and dedication, today the threat of Naxalism has ended from this area and a new stream of development has started.
Why is this Diwali special?
The Prime Minister said that Diwali of 2026 is very special. He said, ‘After forty to fifty years, such a Diwali has come for you. This is the first Diwali when the country has won the decades-long fight against Naxalism and Maoist terrorism. This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism. This is the first Diwali when crores of countrymen have got freedom from the fear of Naxalism. This is an extraordinary achievement and great credit goes to all of you. This is the result of the courage of lakhs of brave soldiers and security forces like you. That is why I have come today to celebrate Diwali with you.
Earlier this morning, PM Modi had informed by posting on social media platform X that I am going to Bastar to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces. This is the area where Naxalism was once prevalent and now development is happening rapidly here.
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SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
