How Did PM Modi Praise Security Forces for Neutralising 27 Maoists?

Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed security forces for a significant achievement, neutralising 27 Maoists, including a top leader. This successful operation underscores the government’s commitment to combating Maoism and ensuring peace. The encounter marks a historic milestone in India's ongoing battle against Naxalism, with the government aiming to eradicate the menace by 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Operation led to neutralisation of 27 Maoists, including a top leader.
- Prime Minister Modi praised security forces for their success.
- Significant breakthrough in the fight against Naxalism.
- 54 Maoists arrested, 84 surrendered during recent operations.
- Government committed to eradicating Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
Raipur/Bhopal, May 21 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the security forces for their successful operation in which they neutralised hardline Maoists during an encounter on Tuesday. In response to a social media post by Home Minister Amit Shah, the Prime Minister expressed, “I take pride in our forces for this outstanding achievement. Our Government is dedicated to eradicating the threat of Maoism and fostering a life of tranquility and advancement for our citizens.”
Previously, Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the security forces on his X handle, stating, “A significant milestone in the fight against Naxalism. Today, in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces neutralised 27 notorious Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the CPI-Maoist’s general secretary and a pivotal figure in the Naxal movement.”
He added, “This marks the first instance in three decades of India’s struggle against Naxalism where a leader of general secretary rank has been neutralised by our forces. I commend our courageous security forces and agencies for this vital breakthrough. I am also pleased to report that following the completion of Operation Black Forest, 54 Maoists have been apprehended and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. The Modi government is determined to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026.”
In a pivotal victory against left-wing extremism, security forces in Chhattisgarh successfully eliminated Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the General Secretary of the prohibited Communist Party of India (Maoist).
The operation, executed in the dense forests of Abujhmad, represents a historic achievement in the ongoing fight against Naxal insurgency. The decisive encounter occurred on Wednesday, following intelligence reports regarding the presence of Basavaraju and other senior Maoist leaders in the area, as confirmed by police officials.
Sadly, one member of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) lost his life while valiantly engaging with the insurgents. His remains are being transported to the District Headquarters in Narayanpur. Several other personnel sustained injuries during the encounter but have received prompt medical care and are reported to be recovering well.
Joint teams from the District Reserve Guard (DRG) of Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon were deployed for this operation. As the forces advanced through the challenging terrain, Maoist insurgents opened fire indiscriminately, prompting a robust response from the security personnel.
After an intense gun battle, the forces successfully eliminated 27 Maoists, including Basavaraju. A significant cache of weaponry, including AK-47 rifles, SLRs, INSAS rifles, carbines, and other arms and ammunition, was recovered from the site.
Initial assessments indicate that several other senior Maoist leaders may have been killed or seriously injured during the operation. Basavaraju, around 70 years old, hailed from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh and had held multiple key positions within the CPI (Maoist), serving as General Secretary, Chief of the Central Military Commission, Polit Bureau Member, and Central Committee Member. His leadership was instrumental in orchestrating Maoist activities across various regions, according to officials.
Despite the difficult geographical conditions, security forces remain steadfast in their commitment to dismantling the Naxal threat. Search operations continue in the surrounding forest areas to locate any injured or fleeing Maoist cadres. Authorities have reiterated that the campaign against left-wing extremism will persist with unwavering resolve.