Diwali 2026 / PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security forces in Bastar, hails end of Naxalism
·30 mins ago·4 min read
Key Points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, marking his 13th consecutive year of celebrating the festival with security or defence forces. Calling Diwali 2026 historic, he credited security personnel for ending decades of Naxal violence and highlighted the sacrifices made during India's fight against Left-Wing Extremism.
Raipur, Nov 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel at the CoBRA Operations Base in Karanpur, Chhattisgarh's Bastar district, marking the 13th consecutive year he has spent the festival with defence or security forces.
The visit holds special significance as PM Modi described Diwali 2026 as the first festival of lights after the elimination of Naxalism from the country.
Addressing security personnel, the Prime Minister said he had come to the forests of Bastar on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians to express the nation's gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to service.
"Every soldier is a part of my family," he said, describing those guarding the country's borders and maintaining internal security as the brave sons and daughters of Mother India.
The visit holds special significance as PM Modi described Diwali 2026 as the first festival of lights after the elimination of Naxalism from the country.
Addressing security personnel, the Prime Minister said he had come to the forests of Bastar on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians to express the nation's gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication and commitment to service.
"Every soldier is a part of my family," he said, describing those guarding the country's borders and maintaining internal security as the brave sons and daughters of Mother India.
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PM Modi Calls Diwali 2026 Historic
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, PM Modi said this year's Diwali was historic as the country had achieved victory in its decades-long struggle against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
"This is the first Diwali since the nation achieved victory in the decades-long struggle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali where every single district in the country is free from Naxalism," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that millions of people in Naxal-affected regions had finally been able to move beyond the fear and violence that had disrupted their lives for decades.
He credited security personnel for their sacrifices and relentless efforts in eliminating the Maoist threat, adding that Bastar was now witnessing a new phase of development.
The CoBRA Operations Base at Karanpur served as an important training centre and launchpad for counter-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad, once considered major strongholds of Maoist insurgency.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, PM Modi said this year's Diwali was historic as the country had achieved victory in its decades-long struggle against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
"This is the first Diwali since the nation achieved victory in the decades-long struggle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. This is the first Diwali where every single district in the country is free from Naxalism," he said.
The Prime Minister noted that millions of people in Naxal-affected regions had finally been able to move beyond the fear and violence that had disrupted their lives for decades.
He credited security personnel for their sacrifices and relentless efforts in eliminating the Maoist threat, adding that Bastar was now witnessing a new phase of development.
The CoBRA Operations Base at Karanpur served as an important training centre and launchpad for counter-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad, once considered major strongholds of Maoist insurgency.
PM Modi Recalls Decades of Maoist Violence
During his address, the Prime Minister recalled the scale of Left-Wing Extremism in the country, stating that nearly 230 districts across around 20 states were once affected by Naxalism.
He said the situation in several affected areas had become so severe that people were afraid to step outside their homes after sunset.
"The battle against Maoist terror and Naxalism was not an easy one," PM Modi said, recalling a period when violence and insecurity disrupted everyday life across large parts of the country.
He also highlighted the scale of Maoist violence, stating that the country witnessed around 2,000 attacks in a single year.
Recalling the deadly attacks in Dantewada in 2010, the Prime Minister said 76 CRPF personnel were martyred in an attack by Naxalites. He also referred to another incident in the district during the same year in which 44 civilians lost their lives.
PM Modi said more than 1,000 security personnel were martyred in Chhattisgarh during the prolonged fight against Naxalism.
PM Modi Credits Political Will After 2014
Prime Minister Modi said a change in the country's approach began after 2014, with stronger political determination and a well-planned strategy to tackle threats to national security.
"For the nation to move forward, its enemies must be crushed -- with unwavering resolve and a well-devised strategy. The political will that was lacking in our nation to do this was strengthened in 2014," PM Modi said.
He added that the government's approach focused on eliminating the threat while ensuring security for people living in affected regions.
Also Read: PM Modi pens special tribute as LK Advani enters 100th year
The Bastar visit marks the 13th consecutive year that PM Modi has celebrated Diwali with members of the armed forces or security personnel. In 2025, he celebrated the festival with naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant in Goa. Between 2014 and 2025, he marked Diwali with security and defence personnel across various locations, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
During Sunday's interaction, the Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to security personnel stationed across the country and acknowledged the sacrifices they make to protect India's unity and territorial integrity. He said the nation takes pride in the dedication of its security forces, whose service allows millions of people to celebrate festivals with their families in peace.
The Prime Minister's visit to Bastar highlighted the government's focus on internal security and its efforts to recognise the contribution of personnel involved in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism.
During his address, the Prime Minister recalled the scale of Left-Wing Extremism in the country, stating that nearly 230 districts across around 20 states were once affected by Naxalism.
He said the situation in several affected areas had become so severe that people were afraid to step outside their homes after sunset.
"The battle against Maoist terror and Naxalism was not an easy one," PM Modi said, recalling a period when violence and insecurity disrupted everyday life across large parts of the country.
He also highlighted the scale of Maoist violence, stating that the country witnessed around 2,000 attacks in a single year.
Recalling the deadly attacks in Dantewada in 2010, the Prime Minister said 76 CRPF personnel were martyred in an attack by Naxalites. He also referred to another incident in the district during the same year in which 44 civilians lost their lives.
PM Modi said more than 1,000 security personnel were martyred in Chhattisgarh during the prolonged fight against Naxalism.
PM Modi Credits Political Will After 2014
Prime Minister Modi said a change in the country's approach began after 2014, with stronger political determination and a well-planned strategy to tackle threats to national security.
"For the nation to move forward, its enemies must be crushed -- with unwavering resolve and a well-devised strategy. The political will that was lacking in our nation to do this was strengthened in 2014," PM Modi said.
He added that the government's approach focused on eliminating the threat while ensuring security for people living in affected regions.
Also Read: PM Modi pens special tribute as LK Advani enters 100th year
The Bastar visit marks the 13th consecutive year that PM Modi has celebrated Diwali with members of the armed forces or security personnel. In 2025, he celebrated the festival with naval personnel aboard INS Vikrant in Goa. Between 2014 and 2025, he marked Diwali with security and defence personnel across various locations, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh.
During Sunday's interaction, the Prime Minister extended Diwali greetings to security personnel stationed across the country and acknowledged the sacrifices they make to protect India's unity and territorial integrity. He said the nation takes pride in the dedication of its security forces, whose service allows millions of people to celebrate festivals with their families in peace.
The Prime Minister's visit to Bastar highlighted the government's focus on internal security and its efforts to recognise the contribution of personnel involved in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism.
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