Raksha Bandhan celebration in Narayanpur highlights growing trust between security forces and communities returning to the mainstream
Raipur, August 28, 2026: A poignant message of peace, reconciliation and renewed trust emerged from Bastar’s Abujhmad region on Raksha Bandhan, as women who had once been associated with Maoist violence after surrendering and returning to the mainstream tied rakhis on the wrists of District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and police officers.
The emotional celebration was held at the Narayanpur Police DRG complex, where the women exchanged the traditional Raksha Bandhan gesture with members of the police force. The occasion symbolised a significant transformation—from a past marked by fear and conflict to one centred on dialogue, trust and social reintegration.
The women tied rakhis on the wrists of Narayanpur Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Patel, Additional Superintendents of Police Akshay Sabdra, Ajay Kumar and Aishwarya Chandrakar, along with other senior police officers and DRG personnel.
The ceremony reflected the strengthening relationship between security forces and local communities and highlighted the possibilities of rebuilding social bonds after years of violence.
Speaking on the occasion, SP Sandeep Kumar Patel said Raksha Bandhan was not merely a festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, but also represented a pledge of trust and security.
He said both the police and society had a collective responsibility to ensure that people returning to the mainstream were able to rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence. Strengthening their sense of security and creating opportunities for their social rehabilitation, he added, was essential for lasting peace.
The interaction at the DRG complex offered a powerful contrast to the region’s troubled past, with former insurgents sharing a warm and familial moment with police personnel.
The celebration was seen as a symbol of the changing social landscape in Bastar, where dialogue, rehabilitation and community engagement are creating new avenues for peace and development.
The Raksha Bandhan gathering in Narayanpur underscored the message that trust, reconciliation and human relationships can help overcome the legacy of violence and contribute to a more peaceful and secure future for Abujhmad.
