Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Sunday, November 8, 2026, and highlighted what he described as a major milestone in India’s decades-long fight against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
Addressing security personnel at a CRPF camp in Bastar, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the courage, commitment and sacrifices of forces involved in counter-insurgency operations. He said the region, once severely affected by Naxal violence, was now witnessing a new phase of peace and development.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Diwali with security personnel and highlights progress against Naxalism.
Location: India.
Authority/Organisation: Prime Minister’s Office, CRPF and security forces.
Action Taken: The Prime Minister addressed personnel involved in counter-Naxal operations and acknowledged their contribution.
Impact: The visit highlights internal security achievements and the government's focus on development in formerly affected regions.
Modi described Diwali 2026 as particularly significant, saying it was the first Diwali in which every district of the country was free from Naxalism. This was the Prime Minister’s assessment of the security situation, and should be understood as an official political statement rather than an independently established assessment of every form of residual extremist activity.
The Prime Minister also credited government policies and security operations for weakening the financial and logistical networks supporting Maoist groups. He referred to action against fake currency networks and the disruption of supply lines used by Naxals and secessionist elements.
Recalling the scale of the challenge, Modi said that more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states had once been affected by Naxalism. He praised security personnel for their role in reducing the threat and enabling development activities in affected regions.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The fight against Left-Wing Extremism has been one of India's major internal security challenges. The reduction of violence in affected regions can create opportunities for infrastructure development, investment, education, healthcare and improved public services. Bastar's experience is particularly important because security improvements need to be accompanied by long-term economic and social development. Roads, schools, healthcare facilities and livelihood opportunities remain essential to sustaining peace. The Prime Minister's visit also recognises the contribution of security personnel who operate in difficult geographical and operational conditions.
The Prime Minister also referred to the Central Reserve Police Force’s achievement of completing 12 consecutive months without an operational fatality, describing it as a significant accomplishment in the force’s history.
The visit carries symbolic and strategic significance because Bastar was among the regions most affected by Left-Wing Extremism. The government's continuing focus includes security operations, infrastructure development, public services and bringing communities in affected areas closer to mainstream economic opportunities.
The latest address places renewed attention on the relationship between internal security, development and the long-term rehabilitation of regions affected by insurgency.
