NEW DELHI: After grappling with red terror for decades, several villages of multiple districts in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh are all set to host the Republic Day for the first time, marking a significant moment for the residents who were previously barred from holding any such celebrations.
According to media reports, 40 such villages across multiple districts of Bastar are all set to hoist the tricolour for the first time on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26. This has been made possible after erection of security camps in as many as 58 villages, earlier marred by red terror, in the past one year.
Republic Day celebration will be held for the first time in 53 such villages of Bastar division, encompassing severely Maoist-affected districts like Bijapur, Dantewada, Sukma and Narayanpur, while 40 villages of the region will witness a national festival celebration for the first time.
The villages hosting the celebration includes Belnar, Kondapali, Ullur of Bijpaur district, Pillur, Dodisomar and Kamalur of Dantewada, Anjagar, Jatoor, Baipeta and Kodnar of Narayanpur and Palaguda and Nagaram of Sukma.
The development reflects a major shift in the remote regions where normalcy is being restored gradually, after Maoist-insurgency started to wane following decades of instability and violence.
As per details, security forces have setup more than hundred such security camps in Bastar region since 2021, enabling them to firm their grip in regions earlier dominated by the ultras. These camps have further paved way for development works and enabled the access of government run welfare schemes to the locals.
The presence of security personnel and administration has instilled a sense of security among the locals who were earlier barred from holding any such celebrations on national festivals or participation in events related to it. The change however is evident in recent times in these remote localities, which are slowing coming out from the decades long dark shadows of Naxalism.
In August 2025, 29 villages of Bastar region had proudly hoisted the unfurling of national flag for the first time on the occasion of independence day. Celebrations on Republic Day were also organised for the first time in over two dozen villages of Bastar in January 2025.
With security measures in place, the focus of the administration has turned towards restoring normalcy in the region by opening of schools, banks, erection of mobile towers, roads and by providing other basic facilities to the residents.
In a recent development, the government has restored the banking facilities in Jagargunda, an infamous stronghold of Maoists where a branch of the Overseas Bank started its operations recently.
Expressing his delight, Chhattisgarh CM on Friday said the restoration of banking facility in the region is a symbol of change, development and trust.
Where once Naxal violence had blocked the path of development, today the good governance government has started banking facilities, ushering a new beginning. The re-opening of bank branch in Jagrgunda is not just a building, but a symbol of change, development and trust, said CM Sai in a post on X.
CM Sai stressed that Bastar is being connected to the mainstream of development. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bastar is being freed from the fear of red terror and connected to the mainstream of development, he added.
It is to be noted that the Union Government has announced to eradicate Maoism from Bharat by March this year.
