On 20 May 2025, a public bus reached Kutul, a remote village in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh, for the first time since Independence. Nestled deep within the Naxal-affected Abujhmad region, this event marked a symbolic breakthrough in accessibility and state presence.
Owing to sustained security operations and developmental efforts from 2016 to 2025, several areas long under Naxal control have seen unprecedented transformation. This report compiles 24 such landmark achievements—each a “first since Independence”—across India’s most challenging insurgency-hit regions.
These milestones reflect a growing restoration of governance, infrastructure, and public services in areas once considered inaccessible or unsafe.
#1 First-Ever Bus to Kutul Marks Dawn of Development in Naxal-Hit Abujhmad
On 20 May 2025, for the first time since Independence, a public bus reached Kutul village in Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-affected Abujhmad region. Operated by Bastar Travels, the service runs through several remote villages, offering newfound access to healthcare, education, and markets. Initiated by the Narayanpur district administration and police, the project followed improved security and the laying of NH-130D. Villagers expressed both joy and concerns—while grateful for the connectivity, many called for lower fares and larger buses. Once hostile to development, locals now embrace this transformation, with the Kutul bus symbolizing a powerful shift toward inclusion and progress.
#2 First Bus Reaches Katejhari, Ending 78-Year Wait in Naxal-Affected Gadchiroli
On 19 May 2025, a state-run passenger bus entered Katejhari village in Maharashtra’s Naxal-hit Gadchiroli district for the first time since Independence, marking a historic moment of transformation. Once a Maoist stronghold, the region saw major counter-insurgency success, enabling the rollout of this long-awaited public transport. The 100km route connects 12 villages, improving access to healthcare, education, and jobs. Residents celebrated with music and joy, calling the service a lifeline. Officials see the initiative as a vital step in restoring normalcy, building trust, and ensuring development in an area previously crippled by decades of guerrilla control and isolation.
First time since Independence, passenger bus rolls into a remote village in naxal-affected Gadchiroli district pic.twitter.com/AasrSYTq7O
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 19, 2025
#3 After 77 Years, First Bus Reaches Kategaon in Gadchiroli
On 26 April 2025, a state-run bus reached the tribal village of Kategaon in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district for the first time in 77 years since Independence. Once a Maoist stronghold marked by violence and isolation, the village is now witnessing the winds of change. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation launched the new service to connect Kategaon with the district headquarters, symbolizing progress, access, and reintegration into the mainstream. The sound of the bus horn, replacing decades of silence and conflict, was welcomed by villagers with hope, marking a new chapter in the region’s journey toward development.
WATCH || Winds of change sweep through Gadchiroli, a former Maoist-hit district in Maharashtra. For the first time in 77 years, a state-run bus reached the tribal village of Kategaon—once echoing with gunfire, now with the sound of a bus horn. Here's a report. pic.twitter.com/eztCjBrpdf
— DD India (@DDIndialive) June 8, 2025
#4 Timenar Village Electrified After 77 Years in Bastar Region
On 23 March 2025, electricity reached Timenar village in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, for the first time since Independence, marking a historic milestone for this Maoist-affected region. Under the Chief Minister’s Manjra-Tola Electrification Scheme, all 53 households were electrified, ending decades of darkness. Residents expressed joy, noting the newfound safety and opportunities for their children. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed it as the beginning of a new era of governance and development in Bastar. The initiative reflects the state’s efforts to reclaim remote areas from Left-Wing Extremism and bring them into the mainstream of progress and prosperity.
#5 Kerlapenda Votes for the First Time Since Independence
On 24 February 2025, Kerlapenda village in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, cast votes for the first time since Independence during the third phase of the state’s Panchayat polls. Once severely affected by Naxal violence, the village saw peaceful polling under tight security. Visuals showed villagers waiting calmly in queues, expressing hope for development. A voter shared that it was their first opportunity to raise concerns before elected leaders. In a related milestone, residents of Bijapur district also braved tough terrains to vote. These historic events signal a shift towards democratic participation in previously insurgency-hit regions of Chhattisgarh.
#6 Chunchuna Village Gets Clean Drinking Water for the First Time
On 2 February 2025, Chunchuna village in Balrampur, Chhattisgarh, received clean drinking water for the first time since Independence under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Located in a remote, Naxal-affected region near the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border, the village previously lacked basic infrastructure, forcing residents to fetch water from distant sources. Now, about 100 households have 24-hour access to safe water through household taps. Executive Engineer Pankaj Jain highlighted the transformation made possible by road connectivity and source development. Grateful villagers hailed the initiative as life-changing, marking a major step toward health, dignity, and development in this long-neglected area.
#7 Chilkapalli Village Electrified for the First Time Since Independence
On 27 January 2025, Chilkapalli village in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district received electricity for the first time under the state’s ‘Niyad Nellanar’ Yojana. Located 50 km from the district headquarters, the Naxal-affected village had remained in darkness since Independence. The electrification, completed after three to four months of effort, marked the sixth village illuminated under the scheme. Villagers expressed joy, citing improved safety, cooking, and education. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, aims to transform remote tribal areas with basic amenities. Officials hailed it as a milestone in both rural development and the fight against Maoist extremism.
#8 Tricolor Hoisted for the First Time in 26 Bastar Villages
On 26 January 2025, the national flag was unfurled for the first time since Independence in 26 remote villages across Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division. These areas, once Naxal strongholds, had never celebrated national festivals due to insurgent threats. With the establishment of 26 new security camps and improved coordination between local police and paramilitary forces, villages such as Gundam, Kondapalli, Kasturmeta, and Puvarti finally celebrated Republic Day. Residents proudly hoisted the tricolor and took out rallies alongside CRPF and police personnel. Officials hailed the moment as a sign of growing peace, development, and the weakening grip of Maoist terror.
#9 Tumalpaad Village Hoists Tricolor for the First Time
On 26 January 2025, the Indian tricolor was hoisted for the first time in Tumalpaad village, Sukma district, marking a historic moment on Republic Day. Once a Naxal stronghold, Tumalpaad has seen a positive transformation due to successful anti-Naxal operations. CRPF Commandant Himanshu Pandey and his team led the celebrations, distributing sweets and engaging with villagers, who earlier feared contact with security forces. The event symbolizes growing trust and the villagers’ shift against Naxalism. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, celebrating in Ambikapur, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a peaceful, development-focused, and Naxal-free Chhattisgarh.
#10 Puvarti Village Watches TV for the First Time Since Independence
On 14 December 2024, Puvarti village in Sukma, Chhattisgarh, accessed television for the first time since independence, marking a milestone in rural development. Villagers watched Doordarshan’s news, serials, and educational content with great enthusiasm. As part of the Chhattisgarh government’s Niyad Nellanar Yojana, solar-powered appliances and TV sets were installed by CREDA in Puvarti and nearby villages. The initiative brought joy and a sense of connection to the outside world. District Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv highlighted this as a major step toward sustainable development and empowerment in Naxal-affected areas through clean energy and access to information.
#11 Tricolor Hoisted in Hidma’s Stronghold for the First Time
On 17 February 2025, security forces established a new police camp in Puvarti village, Sukma, Chhattisgarh—home of dreaded Naxal commander Madvi Hidma—and hoisted the tricolor for the first time since Independence. Once a Naxal hub where strategies against security forces were planned, Puvarti was under the parallel rule of Maoists. Hidma, born in Puvarti and active since 1996, leads the PLGA Battalion-1 and is on the CPI (Maoist) Central Committee. He gained notoriety for attacks like the 2013 Jheeram Ghati massacre and the 2017 Burkapal ambush. A ₹40 lakh bounty is on his head, making this symbolic victory highly significant.
#12 Tricolor to Rise Again in Bastar’s Naxal Strongholds
In Bastar, Chhattisgarh, the Republic is set to rise again as security forces reclaim Naxal-dominated zones. In the past month alone, 10 new camps have been established in strongholds like Duled and Gangalur, pushing back Maoist influence. Duled, once a bastion of top Naxal leaders including Hidma, Ravi, and Sujata, will witness the tricolor hoisted after 40 years. Villagers, once forced to display black flags, now prepare to proudly celebrate Republic Day with security personnel. Similarly, in Gangalur—once a major Naxal recruitment hub—camps in Mutvendi and Kavadgaon mark a new beginning of peace and national pride.
#13 Tricolour Hoisted for the First Time in Maoist-Affected Villages of Bastar and Gadchiroli
On 26 January 2024, the national Tricolour was unfurled for the first time since Independence in nine tribal villages of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region—Dumripalnar, Murkrajkonda, Saletong, Duled, Kawadgaon, Mudhvandi, Pariya, Muler, and Palnar—previously under Maoist control. The CRPF shared visuals of Republic Day celebrations with locals, marking a turning point in the region’s fight against Left-wing extremism. In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, flag-hoisting took place in Irapner and Bisamundi, deep inside Maoist strongholds. In a symbolic moment, a physically challenged father of a soldier, Sitaram Gawade, hoisted the flag with pride, signaling defiance and hope.
कण कण में गणतंत्र!
छत्तीसगढ़ के अति नक्सल प्रभावित सुकमा स्थित दुल्लेड़ गाँव में 2 बटालियन #CRPF, कोबरा एवं ज़िला बल के जवानों ने उत्साही ग्रामीणों के साथ मिलकर गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर पर तिरंगा फहराया।
इस अवसर पर बच्चों की प्रसन्नता देखते ही बन रही थी।
यह नक्सलवाद के घटते प्रभाव… pic.twitter.com/SksJ6XKGbE— 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳 (@crpfindia) January 26, 2024
#14 Tricolour Unfurled in Gadchiroli’s Irapner, a Maoist Stronghold
On 26 January 2024, India’s national flag was hoisted for the first time in Irapner, a remote village in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, located just 5 km from the Maoist stronghold of Abujhmarh. Previously known for black flag hoisting and desecration of the Tricolour, Irapner witnessed a historic moment when 70-year-old Sitaram Gawade, a physically challenged father of an army soldier, raised the flag with pride. The event was made possible by SDPO Nitin Ganapure, who trekked through forest terrain with commandos. The Tricolour was also raised in nearby Bisamundi, signaling a symbolic victory against Maoist intimidation.
#15 600 Villages in Bastar Celebrate Independence Day Free from Naxal Fear
On 15 August 2023, 600 villages in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division, once gripped by Naxal terror for four decades, celebrated Independence Day by hoisting the national flag with pride. In areas like Sukma, Bijapur, Bastar, and Narayanpur, villagers who once observed the day under duress now rejoiced freely, thanks to successful anti-Naxal operations and the establishment of over 40 new police camps in three years. For the first time, 15 villages—including in Bijapur, Bastar, and Sukma—held flag-hoisting ceremonies, singing the national anthem alongside police personnel. The region, once marked by black flags, now proudly flies the Tricolour.
#16 Bastar Villages Hoist Tricolour for First Time After Decades of Maoist Control
On 15 August 2023, eight Maoist-affected villages in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division hoisted the national flag for the first time since Independence, replacing the black and red flags once raised by Maoist insurgents. Villages like Silger Nala, Bedre, and Tondamarka celebrated with ‘Tiranga Rallies’ and community participation. This milestone was made possible by the Chhattisgarh Police and CRPF establishing new security camps and promoting the state’s ‘Triveni’ plan of faith, development, and security. Children participated with enthusiasm, learning about Independence Day. IG P Sundarraj hailed the event as a sign of growing democracy and the retreat of left-wing extremism.
#17 First DC Visit to Budha Pahad After Independence Brings Hope
On 12 October 2022, for the first time since Independence, a district collector visited Budha Pahad, a former Naxalite stronghold in Jharkhand. Following a successful joint operation by the state police, CRPF, and paramilitary forces that cleared the area of Naxals, Collector Ramesh Gholap undertook a challenging journey through dense forests and hilly terrain to reach the region. As part of the ‘Aapki Yojana-Aapki Sarkar-Aapke Dwar’ campaign, he met villagers, listened to their concerns, and initiated steps to deliver development schemes, pensions, and essential services to 11 villages, aiming to restore faith in governance and improve lives.
#18 Tricolour Hoisted for the First Time in Six Naxal-Affected Villages of Bastar
On 15 August 2022, the national flag was hoisted for the first time since Independence in six Naxal-affected villages of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region. This historic event was made possible after new army camps were established in the areas, paving the way for development and diminishing Maoist influence. The villages—Chinnagelur, Timnar, Hiroli (Bijapur), and Bedre, Dabbamarka, Tondamarka (Sukma)—witnessed enthusiastic celebrations. Additional villages like Pidmel, Dabbakonta, Silger, and Kunded also celebrated Independence Day for the first time. Authorities credited the reduced Maoist presence and increased security for enabling patriotic celebrations in these long-neglected, violence-prone regions.
#19 Tricolour Hoisted for the First Time in Chandameta Village After 75 Years
On the 76th Independence Day, Chandameta village in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, hoisted the national flag for the first time since Independence, marking a powerful moment of national integration. Long affected by Naxal violence, the area had never witnessed such celebrations due to extremist threats. Encouraged by CRPF personnel, villagers warmly welcomed the initiative and proudly displayed the tricolour at their homes. This effort not only uplifted local morale but also strengthened bonds between residents and security forces. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel credited the success to the state’s three-pronged approach of trust, development, and security in countering Left-Wing Extremism.
#20 Minpa Village Hoists Tricolour for the First Time Since Independence
On 26 January 2021, the national flag was hoisted for the first time in Minpa village, Sukma district, Chhattisgarh—a historic moment in a region long dominated by Naxal influence. CRPF jawans, along with local villagers, celebrated Republic Day by raising the tricolour where 17 soldiers were martyred just a year earlier. Many villagers, unaware of Republic Day’s significance, learned about it through a local girl who translated its meaning. Encouraged and united, the villagers joined the CRPF in waving the flag and chanting patriotic slogans. This powerful gesture marked a step toward reclaiming peace and integration in a conflict-ridden area.
#21 BSF Hoists Tricolour for First Time at New Base in Maoist-Hit Mohupadar
On 1 November 2020, the BSF hoisted the national flag for the first time at its newly established Company Operating Base in Mohupadar, a Maoist-affected village in Malkangiri, Odisha. Located deep in the jungles near the Odisha-Chhattisgarh border, the base was created to counter Naxal violence and promote development. The flag hoisting, attended by BSF officers, police, local leaders, and villagers, symbolized a crucial step toward restoring peace and governance. This marked the first Independence Day celebration since the base’s operationalization in May that year. The BSF continues its anti-Naxal operations while aiming to build trust and improve local infrastructure.
#22 Tricolour Hoisted for First Time in Maoist Stronghold Gorasetu
On 1 November 2020, the national flag was hoisted for the first time in Gorasetu village, under Panasput panchayat of Swabhiman Anchal, Odisha, after the establishment of a BSF camp. Previously a Maoist stronghold where black flags were raised, the village witnessed this historic event as Malkangiri SP Rishikesh Khilari and BSF officers reached the area on foot and set up a temporary camp. The hoisting symbolized a turning point, with BSF DIG Sukumar Sarangi highlighting it as a step toward deeper security penetration and accelerated development. Gorasetu became the sixth BSF camp in Swabhiman Anchal’s Maoist-affected belt.
#23 Tribal Children Hoist Tricolour for the First Time in Rewali Village
On 15 August 2017, tribal children in Rewali village of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, hoisted the national flag for the first time in their government-run schools, defying Maoist threats. Despite Naxal warnings and black flag campaigns in the Bastar region, the children marched to school, unfurled the tricolour, and sang the national anthem under the guidance of their teachers. Maoist leaflets discouraging participation had surfaced in nearby villages, but the children’s act was seen as a significant blow to Maoist influence. While isolated black flag incidents occurred, the Independence Day celebrations in Dantewada and surrounding districts were largely peaceful.
#24 Tricolour Hoisted After Three Decades in Gompad Village
On 15 August 2016, the national flag was hoisted for the first time in 30 years in Gompad village, a Naxal stronghold in Sukma, Chhattisgarh. Led by AAP leader and tribal activist Soni Sori, the “Tiranga Yatra” culminated in a historic celebration despite no roads and Maoist threats. The village, infamous for fake encounters including the alleged killing of Madkam Hidme, saw over 500 locals join in chanting “Vande Mataram.” Sori, Hidme’s sister Laxmi, and others hoisted the flag and paid tribute. The event marked a symbolic defiance of Maoist black flag traditions and a rare assertion of democratic rights.
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