PM Modi, Amit Shah Hail Security Forces After 27 Maoists Killed in Chhattisgarh Encounter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded India's security forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, were neutralized in a major operation in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "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."

Historic Blow to Naxalism

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the breakthrough, stating that Basavaraju-the General Secretary of CPI-Maoist and a key figure in the Naxal movement-was among those killed.

In his X post, Shah said, *"A landmark achievement in the battle to eliminate Naxalism. Today, in an operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, our security forces have neutralised 27 dreaded Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of CPI-Maoist, topmost leader, and the backbone of the Naxal movement."

He added, "This is the first time in three decades of Bharat's battle against Naxalism that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised by our forces. I applaud our brave security forces and agencies for this major breakthrough."

Operation Black Forest Yields Results

Shah further revealed that after the operation, "54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra." He reiterated the government's resolve, stating, "The Modi government is resolved to eliminate Naxalism before March 31, 2026."

Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Confirms Progress

The encounter occurred in the forested Abujhmad region of Narayanpur. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao told ANI, *"After the formation of our government in the state, a programme is running to make Bastar Naxal-free. In Narayanpur, more than two dozen Naxalites have been killed in an encounter. Our security forces are working diligently so that by March 2026, Bastar becomes Naxal-free."

Sao also confirmed that one security personnel was injured during the operation.

Joint Operation at Key Maoist Stronghold

The operation, codenamed 'Operation Black Forest', was conducted near Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Security forces aimed to dismantle the Maoist network in the region, marking a significant step in the government's campaign against left-wing extremism.