For the first time after independence, the tricolor was hoisted with pride in 29 villages of Bastar
Raipur. After 78 years of independence, the tricolour was hoisted with pride in those villages of Bastar, where till now the red flag of Naxalites was considered a symbol of strength and fear. On the occasion of Independence Day, the national flag was hoisted for the first time in 29 villages of Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma districts. The hoisting of the tricolour in these villages, which have been living under the shadow of guns and fear for decades, is not just an event, but a historical picture of the changing Bastar. This picture shows that the sacrifice of the security forces, the strong will of the government and the hope of the villagers together have paved the way for peace and development in the areas considered to be the stronghold of Naxalism. The hoisting of the tricolour in these villages is a proof of that historical change, which has been possible due to the courage of the security forces, the strong will of the state and central government and above all the patience and faith of the villagers. Villages like Kondapalli, Jidpalli, Watevagu, Karregutta, Pidia, Pujarikanker and Bhimaram of Bijapur district; The hoisting of the tricolour for the first time since independence in Naxal-affected areas like Garpa, Kachchapal, Bedmakotti, Kandulnar, Raynar and many other villages of Narayanpur district; and Gomguda, Gollakunda, Nulkatong and Uskawaya of Sukma district is a historic milestone. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that this achievement is the result of the resolve of our government of good governance, which aims to bring a new wave of peace and development in Naxal-affected areas.
“Bastar is now moving out of fear and violence towards progress, prosperity and confidence. The government promises that the light of development will reach every village and no citizen will remain untouched by the light of development,” he said. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma described it as the result of the hard work of the security forces and the patience of the local communities. He said that “The villages where the tricolour was hoisted today, were in fear of the red flag for decades. This is a symbol of a new dawn in Bastar. The central and state governments are working together continuously for the development of Bastar. In the last few years, the Naxalite cadre has weakened due to the new strategy of the security forces, the establishment of camps and constant pressure. Surrender policies have brought back a large number of extremists to the mainstream. At the same time, the government has made it clear that not only security measures, but development is the permanent solution. For this reason, road, electricity, health and education facilities including the Niyyad Nella Nar scheme are expanding rapidly. The villagers have started getting direct benefits from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, MNREGA and other schemes. Winning the trust of the villagers has been the biggest basis of this historic change. Health camps, new opportunities for education and employment and the sensitive attitude of the administration are giving the message to the villagers that the government stands with them. This new picture of Bastar gives the message to the whole country that when willpower, strategy and public participation come together, no challenge remains impossible. The tricolour fluttering in these 29 villages of Bastar including Karregutta is a symbol of the new dawn which is leaving behind the dark night of violence and is moving towards a future full of peace, development and self-confidence.
