Tricolour Unfurled in 41 Former Maoist Villages of Chhattisgarh on Republic Day
In a historic moment for Chhattisgarh, the Indian Tricolour was hoisted for the first time this Republic Day in 41 villages that were once strongholds of Maoist insurgency. This symbolic event spanned from the rugged Karegutta hills in Bijapur district to the dense forests of Bastar, marking a significant shift in the region's security landscape.
Security Operations and Significance
The celebrations gained added importance as 11 security personnel sustained injuries in an IED blast during an operation in the area just a day earlier, on Sunday. Despite this challenge, the flag was unfurled by the 196th battalion of the CRPF and the 204th battalion of CoBRA at a newly established forward operating base in the Tadapala camp.
This camp is strategically located nearly 5,000 feet high in what was previously considered the core zone of Maoist activity, highlighting the progress made in securing these remote areas.
Expanding Reach of National Celebrations
Bastar range Inspector General P Sundarraj provided context to this achievement, noting that 13 villages in the region had celebrated Independence Day for the first time in 2025. With the addition of these 41 villages on Republic Day, the total number of such villages participating in national celebrations has now risen to 54 across Bastar.
The villages that marked Republic Day for the first time are distributed across three districts:
- 13 villages in Bijapur
- 18 villages in Narayanpur
- 10 villages in Sukma
All these areas were historically considered inaccessible for routine administration and national festivities, making this development particularly noteworthy.
Symbolic Victory for Democracy and Development
IG Sundarraj emphasized that the Republic Day celebrations in these villages are more than just symbolic. He stated, "R-Day celebration in these villages is not just symbolic. It represents victory of the Constitution, democracy, rule of law, and the resolve of the people of Bastar to move forward on the path of peace and development."
This event underscores a broader effort to integrate these long-isolated communities into the national mainstream, fostering a sense of belonging and participation in democratic processes.
The unfurling of the Tricolour in these former Maoist bastions serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to restore peace and governance in Chhattisgarh's conflict-affected regions, paving the way for future development and stability.
