Fourteen remote villages in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-affected Bastar region will witness the national flag being unfurled for the first time this Independence Day on August 15, 2025, the state police confirmed on August 14, 2025, Thursday.

The celebrations on Friday come amid intensified anti-Maoist operations that began earlier this year.

Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P hailed the occasion as a “historic milestone” for the region.

“Places once gripped by fear and intimidation are now alive with preparations,” the media reported quoting the IGP.

“Children are rehearsing patriotic songs, elders are decorating the grounds, and communities are joining hands in the spirit of freedom,” he added.

He attributed the change to sustained security operations and growing cooperation between villagers and authorities.

“Confidence has replaced fear, and the participation of locals alongside security personnel shows the trust we have built,” he added.

Officials recalled that until recently, national events could not be organised in these strongholds, where Maoist groups often marked the day with black flags.

The establishment of security camps nearby has instilled a sense of safety and optimism, they said.

Units from the District Reserve Guard, Bastar Fighters, Special Task Force, and Central Armed Police Forces have stepped up patrols and area dominance measures to ensure trouble-free celebrations.

In the state capital Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will hoist the tricolour at the Police Parade Ground and receive the guard of honour.

Ministers and legislators will attend events across Chhattisgarh, with heightened security arrangements in insurgency-hit districts.

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