Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar on Sunday, declaring the festival particularly special as India had won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror.PM Modi addresses security personnel in Bastar. (screengrab/ANI)Addressing the personnel, PM Modi said this was the first Diwali in which every district of the country was free from Naxalism and crores of Indians had overcome the fear of the insurgency.The prime minister said Bastar, once affected by menace of Naxalism, was witnessing a new era of development."You are all a part of my family. This time, I have come to celebrate Diwali in the forests of Bastar.

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 said.Crediting the achievements to the courage and sacrifices of the security personnel, PM Modi said he had come to Bastar to celebrate the occasion with them.“Diwali in 2026 is truly special.

After 40–50 years, such a Diwali has come for you. This is the first Diwali when the country has won its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror.

This is the first Diwali when every district of the country is free from Naxalism. 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 further added.