PM Modi Celebrates Diwali with Security Forces in Bastar, Credits Jawans for Fight Against Naxalism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel deployed in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Sunday, praising their courage and sacrifices in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. He also criticised previous Congress-led governments, accusing them of failing to take effective measures to contain Naxalism.
Addressing the security personnel, Modi said that their dedication and sacrifices had played a crucial role in ending the threat of Naxalism in the region. He described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate Diwali with the country’s security forces on behalf of its 140 crore citizens.
Highlighting the importance of internal security, the Prime Minister said that protecting the nation from internal threats was as essential as guarding its international borders. He stressed that a strong internal security system prevents external enemies from taking advantage of vulnerabilities within the country.
Taking a political swipe at previous Congress governments, Modi alleged that Naxalism had been allowed to grow because earlier administrations treated it as an incurable problem. Referring to figures from 2004 to 2013, he claimed that the number of security personnel killed annually was higher than the number of Naxalites eliminated during that period.
The Prime Minister also recalled the devastating violence in Chhattisgarh, particularly the 2010 Dantewada attacks, in which 76 CRPF personnel were killed in an encounter with Naxalites, while another incident claimed the lives of 44 civilians.
Recalling the sacrifices of security personnel, Modi said that Bastar had witnessed immense bloodshed and accused influential leaders of the previous governments of failing to adequately acknowledge the suffering of the victims and their families.
Modi also spoke about his long-standing tradition of celebrating Diwali with security forces, describing them as members of his extended family. He recalled his previous Diwali visits to Kargil, Lepcha in the Himalayas, Sir Creek and INS Vikrant.
Bastar has remained a major focus of the Centre’s anti-Naxal campaign, with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Chhattisgarh Police conducting extensive operations against Left-wing extremist groups.
On March 31, the Centre announced that the country had overcome the threat of Naxalism, following the elimination of several senior insurgent leaders and the surrender of hundreds of cadres.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Bastar once again highlighted the government’s focus on internal security and its efforts to eliminate Left-wing extremism, while recognising the contribution of security personnel in the campaign.
