Chhattisgarh: After decades of threat & black flags, 14 Maoist-hit Bastar villages ready for first Independence Day
The change has been made possible due to the establishment of new security camps in Naxal-affected interiors after January 26, 2025, primarily in Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts.
These villages were earlier dominated by the Communist Party of India (Maoist) and once saw black or red flags tucked everywhere on national days, accompanied by diktats through leaflets and banners warning people against celebrating Independence Day.
Patriotism, in any visible form, was absent. But this year, officials say, there have been no Maoist leaflets, no black or red flags, and no attempts to deter celebrations.
Bastar Range Inspector General of Police P Sundarraj told TOI, 'The tricolour will be hoisted at village centres in the presence of paramilitary forces, Bastar police, and residents. The 14 villages fall in the category of new camps set up after January 26, 2025, meaning they have never hosted any national festival before.
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Besides, 15 other villages where security camps came up after August 15 last year have already celebrated Republic Day but will be observing Independence Day for the first time.'
He said that the new security camps are functioning as integrated hubs for development and public outreach.
'It is heartening to witness the joy and enthusiasm among the villagers in the interior regions of Bastar, who will be celebrating Independence Day for the very first time on 15th August 2025.
This historic moment has been made possible by the sustained efforts of our security forces and the establishment of new security camps in these remote areas in recent times. The presence of these camps has not only improved the security environment but also instilled a strong sense of confidence among the local population, enabling them to participate freely and proudly in national celebrations,' IG Sundarraj said.
Youth and children are especially eager to witness the tricolour in their villages.
Equally, our jawans deployed in these areas are excited to join hands with the villagers in strengthening the democratic fabric of our nation, the top cop of Bastar said.
T
he active involvement of the people in preparing for Independence Day festivities reflects the deepening bond between the administration and security forces.
Villages such as Gunjepurti, Pujarikanker, Bhimaram, Kutul, Padamkot, Nelangur, Pangur, Uskawaya, and others will see the tricolour flutter in the wind of their land for the first time.
Among the worst Maoist-affected villages among these include Kondapalli, Kutul, Nelangur, Raigudem, Gomguda and Pidiya.
Alongside flag-hoisting ceremonies, residents will be educated on the significance and history of Independence Day.
Tiranga rallies are already underway across Bastar, led by public representatives and CRPF units.
Security has been tightened for the occasion, with deployments from the District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force (STF), Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), CoBRA, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), and local police.
Officials say the initiative underlines the joint efforts of the government and security forces to ensure that every citizen—whether in urban or remote rural areas—feels connected to the nation's freedom and constitutional strength.
The move comes amid the Centre's push to eliminate Maoist insurgency from Bastar by March 31, 2026, a target set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The morale of security forces is high, bolstered by recent operational successes.
Till July this year, 204 Maoists have been killed in encounters across the division, though 19 security personnel have lost their lives. Maoists have also killed 28 civilians, accusing them of being police informers.
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