National Desk,November 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with security personnel at a CRPF camp in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, declaring that India had overcome its decades-long battle against Naxalism while warning that the threat of what he described as “dimagi Naxals” still remained.
Addressing soldiers and security personnel, Modi said that although armed Naxalites had been eliminated from forest areas, ideological elements were allegedly influencing organisations and attempting to turn people against India’s democracy and Constitution.
“Naxalism has ended, but the threat is not yet over,” the Prime Minister said, calling for the identification and defeat of what he termed “dimagi Naxals” in the interest of national security.
PM Modi Warns Against ‘Dimagi Naxals’
The Prime Minister alleged that such elements had established influence in several organisations, political groups and associations.
He said the country needed to remain alert to these activities even after the decline of armed Naxalism.
Modi also linked internal security with national security, stating that a strong internal security system was essential to prevent external threats.
Diwali 2026 Special After Battle Against Naxalism
Describing this year’s Diwali as particularly significant, Modi said the festival was being celebrated after what he called India’s victory in its decades-long fight against Naxalism and Maoist violence.
He credited soldiers and security personnel for their sacrifices and dedication, saying their efforts had helped restore peace and create opportunities for development in the region.
The Prime Minister also extended Diwali greetings to security personnel deployed across the country and acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by them and their families.
PM Modi Criticises Previous Governments Over Naxalism
During his address, Modi criticised previous governments for their handling of the Naxal insurgency.
Referring to the period between 2004 and 2013, he claimed that the number of security personnel killed was higher than the number of Naxalites killed during those years.
He also recalled the 2010 Dantewada attack, in which 76 CRPF personnel and 44 civilians were killed, citing it as an example of the severity of the insurgency.
The Prime Minister said that the fight against Naxalism had been difficult and required sustained efforts and sacrifices by security forces.
PM Modi Highlights Poverty Reduction and Development
Modi also spoke about India’s progress in tackling poverty over the past 12 years.
Referring to a World Bank report, he claimed that around 50 crore people in India had moved out of extreme poverty during this period.
He said the country had made significant progress in areas where earlier governments had made repeated promises, adding that India could achieve its goals of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation.
The Prime Minister also expressed confidence in the country’s youth, saying that India could fulfil its ambitions of becoming a drug-free and developed nation.
PM Modi’s Diwali Tradition With Security Forces
Modi has made it a tradition to celebrate Diwali with soldiers and security personnel, often visiting locations associated with national security.
Last year, he celebrated Diwali with Armed Forces personnel aboard INS Vikrant in Goa.
His visit to Bastar this year brought the focus back to the security situation in the region, the sacrifices of security personnel and the government’s claims about the decline of Naxalism.
