For the First Time Since Independence, Tricolour Flutters in 29 Bastar Villages

Raipur, August 16

Seventy-eight years after Independence, the tricolour finally fluttered proudly in villages of Bastar where, until now, the red flag of Naxalites had stood as the only symbol of power and fear. On Independence Day, the national flag was unfurled for the first time in 29 villages spread across Bijapur, Narayanpur and Sukma districts.

For decades, these villages lived under the barrel of guns and in the shadow of fear. The sight of the tricolour flying here was not merely a ceremonial act but a defining image of a changing Bastar. It reflected the sacrifices of security forces, the determined will of the government and the rising hopes of villagers, all of which together have paved the way for peace and development in areas once known as Naxal strongholds. The hoisting of the flag in these villages is living proof of a historic transformation made possible through the courage of security personnel, the resolve of both state and central governments, and above all, the patience and trust of the local people.

In Bijapur district, villages such as Kondapalli, Jeedpalli, Vatevagu, Karregutta, Pidiya, Pujarikanker and Bhimaram witnessed the tricolour for the first time. In Narayanpur, it was Garpa, Kachchapal, Bedmakotti, Kandulnar, Raynar and several others. In Sukma, Gomguda, Gollakunda, Nulkatong and Uskavaya joined the list of villages where the national flag was unfurled — marking a milestone moment for Bastar.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the achievement as the outcome of his government’s commitment to ushering peace and development in Naxal-affected areas. “Bastar is now moving beyond fear and violence towards progress, prosperity and trust. The government’s pledge is that the light of development will reach every village and no citizen will remain untouched,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma termed it the result of both the tireless efforts of security forces and the resilience of local communities. “In villages where the red flag of fear dominated for decades, the tricolour now flies high. This marks the symbol of a new dawn in Bastar. The Centre and the State are working together with continuity and commitment for Bastar’s development,” he said.

In the last few years, new security strategies, the establishment of camps and sustained pressure have considerably weakened the Naxal cadre. Surrender policies have encouraged a large number of extremists to return to the mainstream. At the same time, the government has made it clear that security measures alone are not enough — development is the only lasting solution. This is why schemes like the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, along with the expansion of roads, electricity, healthcare and education, are being rapidly implemented. Programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and MGNREGA are delivering direct benefits to villagers. Winning the trust of the people has been the strongest foundation of this transformation. Health camps, schools, new job opportunities and a sensitive administration are all reinforcing the message that the government stands firmly with its citizens.

The new image of Bastar sends out a powerful message to the nation: when political will, strategy and public participation come together, no challenge is insurmountable. The tricolour flying in 29 villages — including Karregutta — stands as a beacon of that new dawn, leaving behind the dark nights of violence and leading the people of Bastar towards peace, development and renewed self-belief.