BASTAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday criticised previous Congress governments over their handling of Naxalism, alleging that the menace was treated as an “incurable disease” and left unaddressed for decades. He asserted that the country’s fight against Maoist violence witnessed a significant change after 2014 due to stronger political determination and a planned strategy.
Addressing security personnel during his Diwali celebrations in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Modi said that between 2004 and 2013, the annual number of security personnel martyred was higher than the number of Naxalites killed.
“Unfortunately, the governments of that time treated Naxalism as an incurable disease and left it unaddressed,” he said, adding that the country needed strong determination and a comprehensive strategy to confront its enemies.
The Prime Minister said political will to tackle the Naxal challenge was strengthened in 2014, following which the situation began to change.
Recalling the scale of Left-Wing Extremism, Modi said more than 230 districts across nearly 20 states had once been affected by Naxalism, with thousands of villages and millions of people suffering from violence and intimidation. He pointed out that Naxalites had also deprived people of their democratic right to vote, with nearly 2,000 attacks reported in a single year.
Referring to major incidents in Dantewada in 2010, the Prime Minister recalled the martyrdom of 76 CRPF personnel in one encounter and the killing of 44 civilians in another incident during the same year.
He alleged that despite repeated attacks and casualties, influential political leaders failed to express adequate concern over the situation. Modi further stated that more than 1,000 security personnel had lost their lives in Chhattisgarh alone during the decades-long conflict.
Highlighting the achievements of security forces, the Prime Minister said that, for the first time in 47 years, not a single CRPF personnel had lost his life while on duty during the preceding year. He described the milestone as a result of improved policies, strong determination and the courage, restraint and dedication of security personnel.
Modi acknowledged the contributions of the CRPF, CoBRA, BSF, ITBP, SSB, IRB and state police forces, besides specialised units such as the Bastar Fighters and women personnel, in safeguarding the country’s unity and integrity.
He also credited the government’s development initiatives in Naxal-affected areas with helping security forces gain the confidence and support of local communities. According to the Prime Minister, improved living conditions and selfless service had encouraged people to stand alongside the government and security forces.
Describing Diwali 2026 as particularly significant, Modi said it was the first festival of lights since the country overcame its decades-long battle against Naxalism and Maoist terror. He asserted that every district in the country was now free from Naxalism and millions of citizens had overcome the fear associated with the insurgency.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also visited the CoBRA Operations Base at Karanpur, which serves as a training facility and launch pad for counter-Naxal operations in Bastar and Abujhmad.
Addressing the personnel, Modi said Bastar, once severely affected by Naxal terror, was now entering a new phase of development due to the sacrifices and dedication of security forces.
He said he had come to Bastar on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians to express gratitude to the personnel for their courage, commitment and spirit of service, acknowledging their contribution towards peace, security and development in the region.
