PM Modi celebrates Diwali with security forces in Bastar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali  with security personnel in Chhattisgarh's Bastar on Sunday, November 8, describing the occasion as particularly significant as it marked the first Diwali after India's victory in its decades-long fight against Naxalism and Maoist extremism.

Addressing the personnel, Modi praised their courage and sacrifice, saying the country had achieved a major milestone in its internal security efforts. He said the festival was especially meaningful because every district in the country was now free from Naxalism, and millions of people had been freed from the fear associated with the insurgency. "This is the first Diwali after achieving victory in the decades-long fight 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 Indians have been freed from the fear of Naxalism," he said.

The Prime Minister underlined the importance of internal security, saying a strong security framework was essential to protect the country from external threats. "When internal security is strong, external enemies cannot do anything. It is only when internal security becomes weak that external enemies gain the upper hand," Modi said.

He also paid tribute to security personnel for their role in the fight against Naxalism, praising their courage and remembering those who lost their lives during operations.