Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 6 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the killing of Naxal leader Basava Raju and the elimination of 27 Naxals during an encounter in the Abujhmad forest of Narayanpur on May 21, calling it the state’s most significant success in the fight against Naxalism.
Speaking to ANI, CM Sai said, 'Our jawans are continuously fighting Naxalism and succeeding in their operations. This operation in the Abujmarh area of Narayanpur has been the biggest one so far. Our jawans were extremely successful. They neutralised the General Secretary of Maoists, Basava Raju, which is a big blow to the Naxals.'
The operation, led by security forces including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), resulted in the death of Basava Raju along with 26 other Naxals during the encounter on Wednesday.
The Chief Minister also interacted with the jawans who participated in the mission and flagged off newly provided motorcycles for DRG personnel to enhance mobility in future anti-Naxal operations.
'Naxalism has broken its back, and now, under the resolve of the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Home Minister, we are moving toward eliminating Naxalism from the entire country by March 30, 2026. That goal is getting closer,' he added.
One of the jawans shared with ANI that the terrain in Abujhmad posed serious challenges due to steep hills, dense forests, and rivers. Despite these difficulties, the forces accomplished what he described as a landmark victory.
'Some women played a great role in the DRG. They stood shoulder to shoulder with male jawans through rain and sunshine. In fact, they are more hardworking than we are,' said a jawan.
'There was a wave of happiness among the jawans. They could feel the magnitude of what they had achieved. They didn’t need any more motivation — they were already fully driven,' another added.
Earlier in the day, CM Sai paid tribute to Mehul Solanki of the CoBRA battalion, who lost his life during the May 21 encounter in Narayanpur. He laid a wreath and offered condolences to Solanki’s family, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice made for the nation.
Chief Minister Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also serves as the state’s Home Minister, lent their shoulders to carry the mortal remains of the CoBRA personnel.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that this is the first time in three decades of India’s battle against Naxalism that a General Secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised.
He noted that Basavaraju was the backbone of the Naxal movement and said that, following the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded the efforts of the security forces after the operation. In a post on X, he wrote: 'Proud of our forces for this remarkable success. Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people.'
(ANI)