27 Maoists, including top leader, neutralised in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: In a significant victory in the fight against Naxalism, Indian security forces neutralised 27 Maoists, including Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju, the general secretary of the banned CPI-Maoist, during a major operation in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the breakthrough, describing it as a “landmark achievement” in India’s decades-long battle against the Naxal insurgency.

The operation, part of the broader Operation Black Forest, dealt a severe blow to the Maoist leadership, marking the first time in 30 years that a general secretary-ranked leader has been neutralised. Shah praised the bravery of the security forces, stating, “This is a testament to their relentless efforts to dismantle the backbone of the Naxal movement.” He further noted that 54 Naxalites have been arrested and 84 have surrendered across Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Maharashtra following the operation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed Shah’s sentiments, commending the forces for their remarkable success. In a response to Shah’s post on X, Modi reaffirmed the government’s resolve, stating, “Our Government is committed to eliminating the menace of Maoism and ensuring a life of peace and progress for our people.”

The Central Government has set an ambitious target to eradicate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, signalling a strong push to end the insurgency that has long plagued parts of India. This operation is seen as a critical step toward achieving that goal, significantly weakening the CPI-Maoist’s operational capabilities.

– global bihari bureau