For the first time since coming out of the influence of Naxalism, Puvarti, the native village of slain Maoist commander Madvi Hidma in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, celebrated Diwali with security forces on Sunday. The festival brought together police personnel, District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawans, villagers, women, children and surrendered Naxalites in a celebration that marked a shift for a village once associated with Maoist violence and the fear of armed conflict.Puvarti was recently declared Naxal-free, reflecting the changing security situation in the region.
The village was once a stronghold of Maoist activity and had remained under the shadow of the insurgency for years.Hidma was a 43-year-old senior Maoist commander who was involved in at least 26 deadly attacks on security personnel and civilians. These included the 2017 Sukma attack in which 26 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.
He was killed in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh on November 18, 2025.The celebrations were organised under the Sukma Police's community outreach initiative, 'Niva Duvad Te'. The event aimed to strengthen ties between security forces and residents while conveying a message of peace, development and trust.
GIFTS, SWEETS AND FIREWORKS MARK CELEBRATIONSAs part of the celebrations, sarees were distributed among women, lungis were given to men, and children received packets of sweets. A Mickey Mouse-themed amusement ride was also set up for children, while fireworks lit up the village in the evening.The event brought together people from different sections of the village, including surrendered Naxalites, in a collective celebration.
Security personnel interacted with residents and sought to reassure them about safety and development in the region. Sub-Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) Prabhat Patel and police station in-charge Parshuram Paikra interacted with villagers during the programme.
They assured residents of continued security and support for development initiatives.POLICE PUSH COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN BASTARThe Diwali celebration was organised under the direction of Sukma Superintendent of Police Mayank Gurjar and the guidance of Additional Superintendent of Police Manoj Tirki.The initiative is part of the police's efforts to build confidence among communities in areas previously affected by Naxalite activities. By bringing security personnel and villagers together for a festival, the police sought to strengthen public trust and encourage people to participate in the region's development.Puvarti, once associated with the fear of Naxalite violence and the sound of gunfire, witnessed a different atmosphere this Diwali, with lamps, celebrations and fireworks replacing the memories of conflict.The security forces conveyed a message that Bastar was moving towards a future defined by trust, development and prosperity rather than violence and armed conflict.- Ends