‘End of Naxalism’ Brings Security and Confidence to Sisters Across Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Sai
‘Sneh Ki Dor’ marks a moving celebration of Raksha Bandhan as nearly 800 personnel receive rakhis from sisters across the state
Raipur, August 25, 2026/ Ahead of Raksha Bandhan, the capital witnessed a deeply moving celebration of affection, gratitude and the shared resolve to protect the nation as sisters of Chhattisgarh tied rakhis on the wrists of security personnel at the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ programme held at Balbeer Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium. The programme brought together personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Army and Chhattisgarh Police. Around 800 personnel received rakhis from school students, specially-abled girls, Swachhata Didis, Drone Didis, Lakhpati Didis and women from self-help groups, who expressed their gratitude for the personnel’s service to the nation and society.
The most poignant moment came when Smt. Madhuri Verma, wife of late Sub-Inspector Shri Yugal Kishore Verma, who was martyred in a Naxal encounter in 2017, a day before Raksha Bandhan, tied a rakhi on the wrist of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. Moved by the gesture, Chief Minister teared up and paid homage to the supreme sacrifice of Shri Verma, reaffirming the government’s commitment to stand by the families of martyrs.
Shri Sai said that rakhi is not merely a bond of affection between a brother and sister, but also a symbol of trust and belonging shared with a martyr’s family. Chhattisgarh can never forget the sacrifice of its brave personnel or the contribution and suffering of their families, he said. He added that the bond of standing with them in every moment of happiness and sorrow, while safeguarding their dignity and self-respect, would remain unbreakable.
End of Naxalism Brings Security and Confidence to Women
Shri Sai said that security forces have displayed extraordinary courage in the fight to free the country and Chhattisgarh from the terror of Naxalism, with many personnel making the supreme sacrifice.
He said that the march towards ending Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is the greatest gift of security and confidence for the State’s women. A time is now approaching when no woman will lose her husband to Naxal violence, no mother will have to lose her son and no sister will live with the fear of whether her brother will return home safely.
Referring to the firm resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, as well as the courage and valour of the security forces, Shri Sai said that decisive progress against Naxalism has opened the way for a new era of peace and development across Chhattisgarh, including Bastar. He also acknowledged the important role played by the people of Bastar through their trust and cooperation in this transformation.
Bastar will now be known not for violence but for peace, development, its rich tribal culture, tourism and new opportunities, he said. Roads, electricity, education, healthcare, communication and employment opportunities are rapidly reaching areas that remained deprived of development for years because of Naxalism. The government’s resolve is to make Bastar one of the country’s leading and developed tribal regions.
Security Personnel Receive Rakhis, Pledge to Protect Women
The security personnel participating in the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ programme also took a pledge to protect the dignity, safety and security of the sisters who tied rakhis on their wrists.
Shri Sai said that he had witnessed such an affectionate and extraordinary sight for the first time in his life. The sight of a large number of sisters tying rakhis on the wrists of personnel who live away from their families and perform their duties under difficult circumstances for the security of the country and the State gave Raksha Bandhan its broader meaning, he said.
“Our personnel are not only guardians of our borders and society, but also brothers to the sisters of Chhattisgarh,” the Chief Minister said.
He paid tribute to the valour and dedication of the security forces and honoured personnel who have made notable contributions to the decisive battle against Naxalism.
‘Affection of Sisters Is My Greatest Strength’: CM Shri Sai
Shri Sai said that he has received immense affection and blessings from millions of sisters across Chhattisgarh as Chief Minister. Their trust and sense of belonging, he said, provide renewed energy for public service.
The State government is working continuously to ensure women’s safety and dignity while making them economically self-reliant and empowered. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, women’s empowerment has become a central focus of governance.
More than 2.42 lakh women self-help groups have been formed in Chhattisgarh, with around 30 lakh women associated with them. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has brought significant change to the lives of rural women, with 13.85 lakh women in the State having become Lakhpati Didis. Women are not only emerging as economic pillars of their families but are also leading development in their villages and communities.
Nearly 68 Lakh Women to Receive Rs 631 Crore Before Raksha Bandhan
Shri Sai said that Mahtari Vandan Yojana has become a strong foundation for the economic empowerment and self-dependence of mothers and sisters across the State. Eligible women receive Rs 1,000 every month directly into their bank accounts under the scheme.
Keeping Raksha Bandhan in mind, approximately 68 lakh women will be provided nearly Rs 631 crore in their bank accounts as the 31st installment of Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
During the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai also received rakhi from a large number of sisters. Receiving their blessings, Chief Minister Shri Sai wished them happiness, prosperity and a bright future.
Pledge to Protect National Unity and Honour the Armed Forces
Shri Sai administered a pledge to citizens attending the programme to perform their duties as responsible citizens in protecting the unity, integrity and honour of the nation and to always maintain respect for the country’s brave personnel.
He said that national security is not the responsibility of uniformed personnel alone. Every citizen has a duty to strengthen national unity and social harmony and remain vigilant against forces hostile to the nation. Events such as ‘Sneh Ki Dor’, he said, play an important role in strengthening respect for security personnel among society and the younger generation.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap said that Central Armed Police Forces and paramilitary forces have made a significant contribution to the decisive battle against Naxalism. Under the firm resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the determination of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, security forces have fought Naxalism with courage.
He said that Naxal violence had once caused numerous families to lose their sons, brothers and life partners, but circumstances are changing rapidly. The day is not far when no sister will have to say that her brother went on duty and never returned. He also urged society to remain ideologically vigilant and aware of tendencies that seek to weaken the unity and integrity of the country.
Five Innovative Projects Launched for Raipur District
During the programme, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai launched five innovative projects prepared by the Raipur district administration and various departments: ‘Harit Poshanam’, ‘Project Niramay’, ‘Tiranga Shakti Fest’, ‘Project Ahigundikah’ and ‘Raipur Unfiltered’.
Under ‘Harit Poshanam’, fruit-bearing saplings and improved vegetable seeds will be provided to Anganwadis and women’s groups to promote nutrition gardens. The initiative aims to increase the availability of nutritious food at the local level while actively involving women and communities in the nutrition campaign.
Under ‘Project Niramay’, health and blood tests will be conducted for 65,920 students studying in 215 higher and higher secondary schools in Raipur district. Students found to have health-related problems will be provided free treatment as required.
Through ‘Tiranga Shakti Fest’, Raipur will host various events every month centred on social harmony, culture, good governance, youth leadership and national spirit. The initiative aims particularly to connect young people with social responsibilities and the spirit of nation-building.
Under ‘Raipur Unfiltered’, the lives, experiences and views of prominent personalities, artists and people who have made notable contributions in different fields in Chhattisgarh will be presented through podcasts.
‘Project Ahigundikah’ will undertake a special campaign to connect families belonging to the Saura, or Sapera, community in the district with mainstream government services and welfare schemes. The initiative will facilitate eligible families in obtaining Aadhaar cards, Ayushman cards, benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, job cards and other essential documents and scheme benefits.
On the occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, MLAs Shri Sunil Soni and Shri Purandar Mishra, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Chairman Dr. Rampratap Singh, Chhattisgarh State Telghani Development Board Chairman Shri Jitendra Kumar Sahu, Chhattisgarh Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation Chairman Shri Lokesh Kanwaria, Mayor Smt. Meenal Choubey, District Panchayat President Shri Naveen Agrawal, Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, along with public representatives, security force officers and personnel, school students, members of women’s self-help groups and representatives of various social organisations in large numbers.
