PM Modi celebrates Diwali with jawans in Bastar: 'Zero CRPF casualty, Naxalism wiped out'
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised his government's policies and the efforts of security forces for the progress made in the fight against Naxalism. He said that no CRPF personnel had lost their life while on duty in the past year.
During his Diwali visit to Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Modi said India's fight against Maoist insurgency had changed significantly since 2014. He said the BJP-led government had shown stronger political commitment to dealing with internal security threats after coming to power in 2014.
“To take the country forward, we must face and defeat the enemies of the nation with strong determination and a clear strategy. The political will needed for this was strengthened in 2014,” Modi said.
He added that people had given him the opportunity to serve the country and that the situation started changing after he became Prime Minister.
“For many years, more of our soldiers were killed than Naxalites. But for the first time in 47 years, no CRPF jawan lost his life while on duty during the past year,” he said.
The Prime Minister said this achievement reflected the impact of the government's policies and the bravery, patience and determination of security personnel.
PM Modi calls Diwali 2026 special after progress in fight against Naxalism
Earlier, Modi described Diwali 2026 as a special occasion, saying that India had won its decades-long fight against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
“This is the first Diwali when the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. Every district in the country is now free from Naxalism,” he said.
He added that millions of Indians could now celebrate Diwali without the fear of Naxalism and praised security personnel for their role in this achievement.
Modi said he had visited Bastar on behalf of 140 crore Indians to thank security personnel for their sacrifices, dedication and service. He compared the work of security forces guarding India's borders with that of personnel protecting the country from internal threats. He said both played an important role in keeping the nation united and safe.
The Prime Minister also wished Diwali to security personnel deployed across the country and said that millions of Indians were proud of their service.
- PTC NEWS
