Prime Minister visits CoBRA operations base in Chhattisgarh; describes Diwali 2026 as a historic occasion following the elimination of Naxalism from the country’s districts
Jagdalpur/Raipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on Sunday, continuing his tradition of spending the festival with members of the armed and security forces. This marked the 13th consecutive year that he celebrated Diwali with personnel serving the country.
The visit carried special significance this year, as Modi described Diwali 2026 as the first such celebration following the elimination of Naxalism from the country’s districts.
The Prime Minister visited the CoBRA operations base at Karanpur in Bastar district. The facility has served as a training centre and operational launchpad for anti-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad, areas that were once considered major strongholds of the Maoist insurgency.
Addressing the personnel stationed at the base, Modi said he had come to the forests of Bastar on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians to express the nation’s gratitude for their courage, sacrifices and dedication to duty.
He observed that millions of people across India and abroad were celebrating the festival of lights with their families, travelling long distances to reunite with loved ones. However, he had chosen to spend the occasion with security personnel because they were an integral part of his extended family.
“Today, millions of Indians across the country and around the world are celebrating the sacred festival of lights with joy. People are travelling from distant places to meet their families. This is a wonderful occasion to come together and celebrate with loved ones. I have also come here to join you in the Diwali celebrations,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi praised personnel guarding the country’s borders and maintaining internal security, describing them as brave sons and daughters of Bharat Mata.
Reaffirming his personal bond with the security forces, he said every soldier was a member of his family and acknowledged their contribution to protecting the nation.
Diwali 2026 Marks a Milestone in Fight Against Naxalism
Describing this year’s Diwali as historic, the Prime Minister linked the celebrations to India’s long campaign against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
He said the occasion represented a major achievement in the country’s efforts to eliminate the threat that had affected several regions for decades.
The visit to Bastar also highlighted the changing security situation in an area that was once among the principal centres of Maoist activity.
Modi’s interaction with the CoBRA personnel was aimed at recognising the role of security forces in the operations against Left-Wing Extremism and expressing the country’s appreciation for their service and sacrifices.
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