After decades of Maoist shadow, tricolour to be hoisted in remote villages of Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma, marking a historic resurgence of peace and democratic faith
TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 25, 2026: After years of silence imposed by Naxal violence, the spirit of democracy is set to return with renewed strength to Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division. In a landmark moment of democratic revival, Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time in 47 villages across the districts of Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma on January 26 this year. For these villages, where hoisting the national flag and celebrating national festivals was once unthinkable, the occasion marks a powerful symbol of peace, trust and constitutional governance.
The development reflects the dramatic improvement in the security situation in Bastar over the past two years, driven by a coordinated strategy of the Central and State governments, sustained operations by security forces and growing cooperation from local communities. With the establishment of 59 new security camps in deeply Naxal-affected areas, the administration has been able to restore its presence and ensure safety in remote interiors that were long cut off from the mainstream.
Last year, the 76th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in 53 villages of Bastar for the first time. Building on that momentum, another 47 villages are now joining the democratic fold in 2026, underlining the steady dismantling of Maoist influence in the region.
In Bijapur district, Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time in villages including Pujarikanker, Gunjeparti, Bhimaram, Kasturipad, Tadpala Hills, Ulur, Chillamarka, Kadparti, Pillur, Dodimarka, Sangameta, Todka, Kuppaguda, Gautapalli, Pallevaya and Belnar.
In Narayanpur district, first-time celebrations will take place in villages such as Edjum, Idwaya, Ader, Kudmel, Konge, Sitram, Toke, Jatloor, Dhobe, Padmeta, Lanka, Pariyadi, Kakur, Balebeda, Kodenar, Kodanar, Adingpar, Mandoda, Jatwar and Wadapenda.
Similarly, in Sukma district, villages including Gogunda, Nagaram, Banjalwahi, Veeragangrel, Tumalbhatti, Maheta, Peddabodkel, Ursangal, Gundrajgundem and Paliguda will witness the hoisting of the tricolour for the first time.
Officials said this transformation has been made possible by the establishment of over 100 security camps across the Bastar region, which have not only strengthened the security grid but also created conditions conducive to development. With the return of administrative reach, basic facilities such as schools, anganwadis, healthcare services, roads, communication networks and banking infrastructure are gradually reaching villages that were once isolated.
The sense of security among local residents has grown significantly, encouraging villagers to participate openly in national celebrations. In areas where Maoists once imposed bans on public gatherings and national symbols, people are now voluntarily coming forward to hoist the national flag, attend official functions and take part in cultural programmes, reflecting a renewed confidence in the democratic system.
Alongside security measures, the State government has intensified efforts to ensure sustainable development in Bastar. Welfare schemes are being extended to beneficiaries, mobile towers are being installed to improve connectivity, roads are being built to link remote habitations, and banking services have resumed even in previously inaccessible areas such as Jagargunda.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that Bastar, which had long suffered due to Naxalite violence, is now being steadily connected to the mainstream of development under a policy of good governance. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh is moving decisively towards eliminating the fear of Maoism and restoring trust between the administration and citizens.
“The tricolour that will be unfurled in these 47 villages on Republic Day 2026 will not merely mark a national celebration, but will stand as a strong message of the victory of peace, democracy and development,” the Chief Minister said.
As Bastar prepares to celebrate Republic Day in these villages for the first time, the occasion is being seen as a historic milestone—signalling the return of constitutional values and a hopeful new chapter for one of India’s most challenging regions.
