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PM Modi celebrates Diwali with CoBRA personnel in Bastar (Img: X)
Bastar: Continuing the tradition of celebrating Diwali with security personnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated with them at the CoBRA Operations Base in Bastar on Sunday. He praised their courage and sacrifices in the fight against Naxalism.
The base serves as a training centre and operational hub for counter-Naxal operations across Bastar and Abujhmad. These areas were once considered major strongholds of the Maoist insurgency in Chhattisgarh.
Addressing the security personnel, PM Modi said he considers them an integral part of his family, which is why he had chosen to celebrate the festival of lights with them.
PM Modi says security personnel are part of his faily. (Img: X)“Today, millions of Indians are joyfully observing the revered festival of lights throughout the nation and across the globe. People are travelling from distant places to reunite with their families. This is a wonderful occasion for loved ones to come together and celebrate. I have also come here to join you in the Diwali festivities. Those who defend our nation at its borders and within, the protectors of our country and the courageous sons and daughters of Mother India, all of you are like family to me,” he said.
Diwali is sweeter with those who protect us! #Bastar #NaxalFreeIndia https://t.co/7Ywie7uTt4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026
During his interaction with the forces, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformation and credited security forces for their determination and sacrifices in tackling the Naxal threat and creating conditions for development in Bastar.
“You are all members of my family. This time, I have arrived to celebrate Diwali in the Bastar forests. This is a territory where Naxalism used to be a significant threat. However, because of your sacrifice and commitment, that threat has been eliminated in this area, and a new era of development has started,” PM said.
Diwali is sweeter with those who protect us! #Bastar #NaxalFreeIndia https://t.co/7Ywie7uTt4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2026
He described this year's Diwali as significant, saying the country was celebrating the festival after reaching a historic milestone of ending the Maoist violence.
“After 40–50 years, a Diwali like this has come. This is the first Diwali when the nation has won its decades-long war 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,” he said.
Acknowledging the achievement, PM Modi said security personnel deserved much of the credit for the success of the campaign against Naxalism.
“This is an incredible accomplishment, and a substantial amount of recognition should be attributed to you. It is a tribute to countless courageous individuals such as yourself, our soldiers and security forces. That is the reason I am here today to honour Diwali alongside you,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude to personnel from the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, IRB, state police forces, Bastar Fighters and special forces, including women commandos, for their contributions to safeguarding the country's unity and integrity.
