In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, the national flag will be hoisted on August 15 in 92 villages that were long under Maoist influence. The move is being described as the first such flag-hoisting in these villages since Independence in 1947.
The villages are spread across three districts: 33 in Bijapur, 50 in Sukma and nine in Narayanpur. Officials say preparations are being made to mark Independence Day with public celebrations in these areas.
The initiative is being organised under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, following claims that Naxalism and left-wing extremism have been brought to an end in the state. For decades, these remote pockets remained cut off, with insurgent flags reportedly seen instead of the Tricolour.
As part of the broader outreach, more than 500 schools and public buildings in the region are set to be named after freedom fighters. On Independence Day, government officials and police personnel will also visit the homes of families of those who died in anti-Naxal operations and present them with the national flag as a mark of honour.
