India, Jan. 26 -- The Tricolour will be hoisted for the first time on the occasion of Republic Day in 41 villages freed from Maoist influence in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region, the move emphatically underlining the success in the fight to end 'Red Terror' and heralding of peace and development.

Of these, 13 villages are in Bijapur district, 18 in Narayanpur and 10 in Sukma, Inspector General of Police (Bastar Range) Sundarraj P told PTI. "The 76th Republic Day will be celebrated for the first time with zeal and enthusiasm in 41 villages of Bastar division. These villages, which had remained disconnected from such national celebrations for decades, are now actively participating in the democratic and constitutional spirit of the nation," he...