Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Sunday, describing the occasion as particularly significant as India had overcome its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terrorism.
Addressing the personnel, Modi said this was the first Diwali in which every district of the country was free from Naxalism, allowing crores of Indians to celebrate the festival without the fear of insurgency.
He credited the security forces for their courage, sacrifices and dedication, saying their efforts had helped end the menace in regions that were once severely affected by Maoist violence.
"This is the first Diwali when crores of countrymen have overcome the fear of Naxalism. This is an extraordinary achievement, and a great deal of credit goes to you. It belongs to millions of brave men and women like you, our soldiers and security personnel. That is why I have come here today to celebrate Diwali with you," he said.
Describing the transformation of Bastar, the Prime Minister said the region, once known for Naxalite violence, was now witnessing a new phase of development.
"This is a land where the menace of Naxalism once prevailed. However, owing to your sacrifice and dedication, the menace of Naxalism has now ended in this very region, and a new wave of development has begun," he added.
The Centre had announced on March 31, 2026, that the country had been freed from the menace of Naxalism following the elimination of several senior Maoist leaders and cadres and the surrender of hundreds of others.
‘Previous governments kept hands of security personnel tied’
Taking a swipe at previous governments, Modi alleged that security personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations had earlier been denied the freedom to respond effectively to attacks.
"Previous governments had also kept the hands of security personnel fighting on the ground tied. Naxalite attacks would take place, but security forces did not have the freedom to retaliate openly. We gave the security forces the freedom to make all necessary decisions," he said.
The Prime Minister credited his government's approach, greater operational freedom for security forces and sustained action against Maoist networks for weakening the foundations of Left-wing extremism.
He also alleged that certain individuals within the government and the administrative system had extended support to Left-wing extremism, adding that his government had worked to dismantle such networks.
"We also worked to stop the support that certain people within the government and the system had extended to left-wing extremism. We worked with sensitivity and broke the backbone of Maoist terrorism. With a spirit of service, we transformed the lives of people in Naxal-affected areas," Modi said.
The Prime Minister's visit also came amid continuing efforts by the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government to strengthen security and accelerate development in Bastar, where the Central Armed Police Forces and state police have played a major role in anti-Naxal operations.
PM Modi's Diwali tradition with security personnel since 2014
Modi's annual practice of celebrating Diwali with armed forces and security personnel at military locations has remained a regular feature of his tenure since he became Prime Minister in 2014.
He began the tradition by celebrating Diwali with troops at the Siachen Base Camp, regarded as the world's highest battlefield.
In 2015, he spent the festival with security personnel in the Punjab sector near Amritsar. The following year, he visited Sumdoh near the China border in Himachal Pradesh.
His subsequent Diwali visits included the Gurez sector in Jammu and Kashmir in 2017, Harsil in Uttarakhand in 2018 and Rajouri along the Line of Control in 2019.
In 2020, he celebrated the festival with soldiers at Longewala in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer, followed by visits to Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir in 2021 and Kargil in 2022.
In 2023, he celebrated Diwali with security personnel at Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh, while in 2024, he visited Sir Creek in Gujarat's Kutch region.
In 2025, Modi marked the festival aboard India's indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant off the Goa-Karwar coast.
These visits have taken the Prime Minister to some of the country's most challenging military locations, including icy glaciers, desert outposts, high-altitude border positions and naval platforms.
During these engagements, he traditionally interacts with personnel, shares sweets and extends Diwali greetings, emphasising that security personnel remain an extended family of the country even as millions of people celebrate the festival with their loved ones.