PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with CoBRA Personnel in Bastar, Hails Progress in Fight Against Naxalism

Bastar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with personnel of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) at their operations base in Karanpur, Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, praising their courage, commitment and sacrifices in the fight against Naxalism.

The visit was aimed at honouring security personnel who have played a crucial role in counter-insurgency operations across Bastar and the neighbouring Abujhmad region, once considered major strongholds of Maoist insurgents.

Addressing the personnel at the base, Modi said he had chosen to celebrate the festival of lights with security forces rather than spend the occasion with his family, as he considered them an integral part of his extended family.

"Today, millions of Indians are joyfully observing the revered festival of lights throughout the nation and across the globe. People are travelling from distant places to reunite with their families. This is a wonderful occasion for loved ones to come together and celebrate. I have also come here to join you in the Diwali festivities. Those who defend our nation at its borders and within, the protectors of our country and the courageous sons and daughters of Mother India, all of you are like family to me," he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the transformation in Bastar, attributing the improvement in the security situation to the determination and sacrifices of security forces. He said the decline of the Maoist threat had created opportunities for development and improved prospects for people in the region.

"You are all members of my family. This time, I have arrived to celebrate Diwali in the Bastar forests. This is a territory where Naxalism used to be a significant threat. However, because of your sacrifice and commitment, that threat has been eliminated in this area, and a new era of development has started," Modi said.

Describing this year's Diwali as particularly significant, the Prime Minister said India had reached a historic milestone in its decades-long fight against Maoist violence.

"After 40–50 years, a Diwali like this has come. This is the first Diwali when the nation has won its decades-long war against Naxalism and Maoist terror. 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 overcome the fear of Naxalism," he said.

Modi credited the achievement to the sacrifices of security personnel who have worked in difficult conditions to tackle the insurgency.

"This is an incredible accomplishment, and a substantial amount of recognition should be attributed to you. It is a tribute to countless courageous individuals such as yourself, our soldiers and security forces. That is the reason I am here today to honour Diwali alongside you," he added.

The CoBRA base at Karanpur has served as an important training and operational hub for security forces conducting anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad. The Prime Minister's visit underscored the government's recognition of the role played by these personnel in restoring security and facilitating development in the region.

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