PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with the brave security personnel in Bastar, Chhattisgarh. Addressing the security personnel, Mr Modi said that this Diwali is special as the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. He said, for the first time, every district in the country is free from Naxalism and crores of citizens have now overcome the fear of Left Wing Extremism. Mr Modi described it as an extraordinary achievement and credited millions of brave security personnel for their contribution.

Prime Minister recalled that, at one point, more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states were affected by Naxalism. He said that large parts of the country, including Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, were affected by this menace. Mr Modi highlighted that between 2004 and 2013, the number of security personnel martyred every year was higher than the number of Naxalites killed. He said that the governments at the time treated Naxalism as an incurable disease and failed to address the issue. Mr Modi highlighted for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF jawan has lost his life on duty in the past year. Prime Minister said, this is a victory for the country’s right policies and strong resolve.

The Prime Minister visited a security camp (Central Reserve Police Force) at Karanpur in Bastar.