PM Modi celebrates 'Naxal-free' India's first Diwali with Bastar troops
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar on Sunday. He declared this year's festival special as it marked India's victory over decades of Naxalism and Maoist terror. "This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism and crores of Indians have overcome the fear of insurgency," he said.
Tribute
PM addresses security personnel as his family
PM Modi addressed the security personnel as his family, thanking them for their sacrifices and dedication.
"You are all a part of my family. This time, I have come to celebrate Diwali in the forests of Bastar," he said.
The PM also lauded their courage and sacrifices in bringing peace and development to an area once plagued by Naxalism.
Tradition
13th Diwali with security forces
This was PM Modi's 13th Diwali celebration with security forces, a tradition he started in 2014.
Unlike his predecessors, he has never celebrated at his official residence in Delhi. Instead, he has chosen to be with India's bravehearts guarding the country's most dangerous frontiers.
PM Modi's visit to Bastar on Diwali carries a message of reassurance and remembrance. It tells security personnel they are not alone in their fight against Naxalism.
History
PM Modi's Diwali celebrations since 2014
Since 2014, PM Modi has celebrated Diwali with security forces at various conflict zones across India.
He started at Siachen Base Camp in 2014, then went to Gurez Valley in 2017 and Rajouri along the LoC in 2019.
In 2021, he celebrated in Nowshera and paid tribute to Kargil War heroes from Kargil in Ladakh in 2022.