# Tricolour to fly in former Maoist strongholds this Independence Day 2026-08-13T03:05:25+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The Tricolour will be hoisted for the first time in decades in former Maoist-affected areas of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on August 15, 2026. Free Press Journal reports that more than 35 villages in Balaghat and Mandla will join celebrations after the three affected MP districts, including Dindori, were declared free of Left Wing Extremism. Officials have linked the change to security operations, police outreach and efforts to rebuild public trust. Hindustan Times reports that three schools in Dantewada and 11 educational institutions in Bijapur will hoist the flag after gaps of 26 and nearly 21 years. Across Bastar, 92 villages are expected to do so for the first time. Schools have reopened in some villages, though classes are still being held in residents’ homes where buildings were destroyed or have not been rebuilt. ## Coverage - freepressjournal.in - hindustantimes.com Tags: Independence Day, Left-Wing Extremism, Madhya Pradesh, Naxal, police, tricolour Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/35-former-naxal-mp-villages-to-hoist-tricolour-for-first-time/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/35-former-naxal-mp-villages-to-hoist-tricolour-for-first-time/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.