Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], May 23 (ANI): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday hailed the killing of naxal leader Basava Raju and the successful elimination of 27 Naxals during an encounter in the forest area of Abujhmad in Narayanpur on 21st May and called the operation as the state's most significant success in fighting Naxalism.

Speaking to ANI, CM Sai said, 'Our jawans are continuously fighting naxalism and being successful in their operations. This operation that took place in the Abujmarh area of Narayanpur has been the biggest one so far. Our jawans have been extremely successful. Our jawans neutralised the General Secretary of Maoists, Basava Raju, and it is a big blow to the Naxals.'

The operation, led by security forces including the District Reserve Guard (DRG), resulted in the killing of naxal leader Basava Raju and the successful elimination of 27 Naxals during an encounter on Wednesday.

The Chief Minister interacted with the jawans who participated in the mission and flagged off new motorcycles provided to DRG personnel to aid in future anti-Naxal campaigns in the region.

'Naxalism has broken its back, and now the resolve of the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Home Minister is to eliminate Naxalism from the entire country by the 30th of March 2026. That path is getting closer,' he said.

One of the jawans told ANI that the terrain in the Abujhmad region was extremely challenging, with steep hills, dense forests, and rivers making movement difficult. Despite these obstacles, the forces achieved what he called a landmark victory.

'Some women were playing a great role in DRG. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder with male jawans in rain and sunshine. I mean, they are more hardworking than we are,' Jawans told ANI.

'There was a wave of happiness among the jawans. They were able to feel what they had achieved. They didn't need any more motivation. They were already fully driven,' Jawans stated.

Earlier in the day, CM Sai also paid tribute to CoBRA battalion's Mehul Solanki, who lost his life during the encounter on 21st May in Narayanpur.

He laid a wreath and offered condolences to Solanki's family, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

CM Sai and Deputy Vijay Sharma, who is also the state's Home Minister, lend their shoulder to the mortal remains of CoBRA battalion personnel.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that this is the first time in three decades of India's battle against Naxalism that the security forces have neutralised a General Secretary-ranked leader.

Noting that Basavaraju was the backbone of the Naxal movement, Home Minister Shah said that 54 Naxalites have been arrested and that 84 Naxalites have surrendered in Chhattisgarh after the completion of Operation Black Forest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the efforts of India's security forces after 27 Maoists, including top CPI-Maoist leader Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, were killed in a major operation in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.

In a post on X, Prime Minister 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.' (ANI)