Raipur, Jan 25: Residents in 47 remote villages across Bijapur, Narayanpur, and Sukma districts in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division will unfurl the national flag for the first time this Republic Day. These areas, once shrouded by decades of Maoist insurgency, are witnessing a transition toward peace and democratic restoration following the establishment of security camps and increased administrative presence.
The development follows a coordinated strategy between the Union and state governments, leading to the setting up of 59 new security camps in Maoist-affected zones over the past two years. While 53 villages celebrated the 76th Republic Day for the first time last year, 47 additional villages have been added to this list for the 2026 celebrations.
In Bijapur district, the festivities will be held for the first time in villages including Pujari Kanker, Gunjeparti, Bhimaram, Kasturipad, Tadpala Hills, Ulur, Chillamarka, Kadparti, Pillur, Dodimarka, Sangameta, Todka, Kuppaguda, Gautpalli, Pallevaya, and Belnar.
Similarly, in Narayanpur, celebrations are planned in Edjum, Idvaya, Ader, Kudmel, Konge, Sitram, Toke, Jatlur, Dhobe, Dodimarka, Padmeta, Lanka, Pariyadi, Kakur, Balebeda, Kodenar, Kodnar, Adingpar, Mandoda, Jatwar, and Wadapenda. In Sukma district, the tricolour will be hoisted in Gogunda, Nagaram, Banjalvahi, Viragangrel, Tumalbhatti, Maheta, Peddabodkel, Ursangal, Gundrajgundem, and Paliguda.
The establishment of over 100 security camps in the region has not only strengthened the security apparatus but also paved the way for essential infrastructure. Basic amenities such as education, healthcare, road connectivity, and banking are now reaching these interiors. Notably, banking services were recently reinstated in the highly sensitive Jagargunda area.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the government is committed to integrating Bastar into the mainstream of development. He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for liberating the region from the fear of Maoism.
The CM added that the hoisting of the national flag in these 47 villages on 26 January 2026 serves as a powerful message of the victory of peace, democracy, and development over violence.