BASTAR REGION
PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Bastar security forces, says India has overcome Naxalism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel involved in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. He highlighted the significance of this Diwali as the first since the defeat of Naxalism. Modi commended the personnel for their sacrifices that contributed to eliminating Maoist insurgency from the region. He noted that every district in India is now free from Naxalism, allowing citizens to overcome fear.
PM Modi to celebrate Diwali with security personnel in Naxal-hit Bastar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Bastar to celebrate Diwali with security forces involved in Ant-Naxal operations. He emphasizes the significant transformation in the region, which is now experiencing development and peace. Recent accomplishments of the CRPF include a year without operational fatalities due to improved strategies and equipment. Home Minister Amit Shah is actively promoting policies to encourage former Naxals to surrender and reintegrate into society.
CRPF goes a year without losing personnel in operations for first time in 47 years
The CRPF has completed 12 consecutive months without an operational fatality for the first time in 47 years, with its last such casualty reported on October 30, 2025. The force attributed the milestone to improved equipment, training, strategic planning and faster medical evacuation of injured personnel.
Dussehra 2026 Across India: How Vijayadashami Is Celebrated in Different States
Dussehra 2026 will be celebrated differently across India, reflecting the country's rich regional traditions and religious customs. While North India observes Vijayadashami with Ramlila and Ravana Dahan, Bengal marks Vijaya Dashami with Durga Visarjan, Karnataka celebrates Mysuru Dasara, and Himachal Pradesh observes Kullu Dussehra with deity processions. This article explores how different states celebrate the festival and the unique traditions that make Vijayadashami significant across India.
End of Naxalism doesn't erase five decades of suffering it caused: Amit Shah
Union Minister Amit Shah said government efforts to rebuild Naxal-affected areas may not be enough and must also address the suffering caused by the movement. He added that current initiative provides assistive devices, including artificial limbs, wheelchairs, tricycles, hearing aids and walking sticks, to people affected by Naxalism. Shah said former extremists were being rehabilitated and were given employment initiatives and also pointed out to goverment initiatives to bolster tribal development.
Chinese diplomats, a Bengali play and the Naxalbari mystery: New book revisits questions over Beijing's role
Chinese diplomats attended a politically charged play in Calcutta shortly before the Naxalbari uprising in 1967. The uprising led to questions regarding China's involvement in India's Maoist movement. Indian officials expressed concerns over Chinese diplomatic activities and their potential influence on unrest. The book 'Rebel Bastar' examines the deeper history of resistance in Bastar beyond the Maoist insurgency.
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Chhattisgarh floods: Check roads, rail routes and trains hit by heavy rain
Chhattisgarh is facing widespread disruption after heavy rainfall caused the Kharun River to rise and flooded roads and villages in parts of Raipur and Durg. Rail services were also affected after waterlogging and track subsidence on the Durg-Dallirajhara section. Several trains were cancelled or curtailed, while heavy rain has also inundated low-lying areas and disrupted connectivity elsewhere in the state.
Chinese hand grenade among arms and ammunition recovered from separate Maoist dumps in Chhattisgarh
Security forces have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives, including a Chinese-made hand grenade, allegedly concealed by Maoists in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, police said on Tuesday. The recovery was made during a search and demining operation conducted this month in the Lanka Pahadi forest area under the jurisdiction of Bedre police station, a police official said.
Gold biscuit recovery from Maoist supply dumps: Risking life but not wealth, rebels picked safe haven asset
A Maoist dump is a concealed underground cache, usually deep in the forest and sometimes placed in plastic drums or other containers before being camouflaged with soil, wood and fallen leaves. From these dumps, authorities have recovered at least 8 kg of gold in the past two years.
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai unveils Viksit Chhattisgarh 2047 vision at 'Seva Sankalp' dialogue
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented the state's 'Viksit Chhattisgarh 2047' roadmap. The plan emphasizes good governance and reaching every citizen with scheme benefits. Digital tools are being used to strengthen transparency and track project implementation effectively. The state is developing its unique growth model, leveraging forest resources and tourism potential. Key achievements include success against Naxalism and empowering women and farmers economically.
Old Reds return to Bastar: The state treads cautiously as 3,000 former Maoists make their homecoming
The homecoming of over 3,000 former Maoists is no easy task in Bastar. Over 1,000 of them are being kept in rehabilitation centres to shield them from possible wrath of villagers and to prevent renewed radicalisation.
ET World Leaders Forum: Chhattisgarh steps up investment push as Red Corridor turns 'safe'
Chhattisgarh and its Bastar region are now completely safe from Maoism, according to the chief minister. Investors are encouraged to establish industries in the mineral-rich state with new policies. Significant investments exceeding ₹8.25 lakh crore have been committed in various core sectors. The government is improving education and providing employment opportunities for the youth. Tourism, including homestays, is also being promoted, especially in Bastar and Sarguja.
New chapter in Bastar: Tricolour to fly in 92 former Maoist-hit villages for 1st time on I-Day
Ninety-two remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region will hoist the tricolour for the first time. These villages were once Maoist strongholds and are now free of extremism. This marks a significant shift after the elimination of armed Maoist cadres in the state. National festivals will foster deep patriotism and national pride across Bastar. The government is spearheading campaigns to connect these regions to development and the national mainstream.
As anti-Maoist push nears final phase, Chhattisgarh shifts Bastar strategy to tourism and small industries
Chhattisgarh government is promoting smaller industries, tourism, and agro-based businesses in Bastar, focusing on tribal welfare and avoiding displacement. With declining Maoist violence and improved connectivity, the region is attracting significant investment, aiming for a turnaround through sustainable development and hospitality projects.
Naxal-hit Bastar region attracts Rs 967 cr investments
The BJP-led Chhattisgarh government's investor meet in Naxal-affected Bastar attracted Rs 967 crore in investments across sectors like tourism, healthcare, and warehousing. Thirty-three investors proposed projects with the potential to generate 2,200 jobs, signaling a return to normalcy. This includes significant investments in hospitals, hotels, and manufacturing facilities across various districts, aiming to boost employment alongside security operations against Naxals.
Anti-Naxal operations: 30 new bases to be opened in Chhattisgarh; forces to intensify action
Security forces are set to intensify anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh. Over 30 new forward bases will be established in Bastar region. CRPF and CoBRA units will target Maoist leaders. The goal is to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. A high-level meeting reviewed deployments and strategies. Security forces aim to meet the deadline, possibly by December 2025.
Bastar will be crown jewel of Chhattisgarh once Naxalism is eliminated: CM Vishnu Deo Sai
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai envisions Naxal-affected Bastar transforming into a developed tourism hub within a decade, anticipating Naxalism's elimination by March 2026. The government is focusing on developing the resource-rich region through forest produce industries, animal husbandry, and tourism, while ensuring no forced industrialization occurs without local consultation.
Naxal hotbed to football hub, Bastar's remarkable transformation journey
Bastar in Chhattisgarh, once known for Naxal violence, is now emerging as a sports hub under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's leadership. Hosting prestigious football tournaments, the region is shedding its past and gaining recognition. The AIFF plans to hold the next two editions of the men's Under-20 national championship in Bastar.
Chhattisgarh government to reopen 260 schools shut for 15 years in Naxal-hit Bastar region
A total of 400 government schools continue to remain shut in the insurgency-hit areas of the Bastar region due to various reasons, including Maoist violence, for nearly 15 years, according to an official.
Elusive Maoist leader Hidma in spotlight after latest attack
According to police, Hidma heads the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) battalion no. 1, the strongest military formation of the rebels in Dandakaranya which covers parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Maharashtra besides the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
Chhattisgarh CM urges Amit Shah to increase job opportunities in Bastar to end Naxal problem
Bhagel said iron ore is available in abundance in the Bastar region and if the ore is made available at 30 per cent discount to steel plants to be set up in Bastar, then investment of hundreds of crores of rupees and thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created.
Naxals struggle as lockdown hits supply chain of essentials
The coronavirus-triggered nationwide lockdown has paralysed the supply chain of Maoists in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, which is likely to impact their conventional warfare strategy in the coming days, police officials claimed.
Naxalism nearing its end in Chhattisgarh, says Governor
Balramji Das Tandon was speaking at the 68th Republic Day function held at the police line grounds here.
Fight against Naxals: Rajnath Singh to chair meeting of four CMs
Majority of casualty in Naxal violence in recent past has come from Bastar region, forcing Centre to firm up an urgent initiative to counter rebels.
Anti-Naxal operations: Additional 11,000 securitymen for Bastar
The Bastar region, with districts of Bijapur, Sukma, Dantewada, Bastar, Kondagaon, Narayanpur and Kanker, already has 31 battalions.
Congress demands early counting of votes in Bastar region
The Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress has demanded early counting of votes cast in 12 assembly seats of Maoist-affected Bastar region apprehending that the "voting machines are under threat."
Two security personnel injured in naxal attack on poll parties
A deputy commandant of CRPF and a BSF jawan were injured in separate naxal attacks on polling parties in Maoist-affected Bastar region.
167 polling stations shifted in Bastar due to Naxal threat
As many as 167 polling stations in sensitive areas of Naxal-affected Bastar region have been relocated for "security and accessibility" reasons.
Chhattisgarh polls: Villagers don't want ink mark amid Maoist threat
In view of Maoist threat to boycott polls in Bastar region, the villagers have sought that the indelible ink should not be applied.
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