India, Aug. 14 -- The national flag will be unfurled for the first time at 14 remote villages in Chhattisgarh's Left-wing insurgency-hit Bastar region on Independence Day on Friday, the state police said. Anti-Maoist operations have been intensified in Bastar since January.

Inspector general (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P described the development as a "truly historic milestone" for the region. "What were once zones of fear and intimidation are now buzzing with preparations. Children are practising patriotic songs, elders are decorating the grounds, and entire communities are coming together in the spirit of freedom."

He credited the transformation to the relentless efforts of security forces and the growing trust between the administration...