Amit Shah pays tribute to martyred jawans in Bastar n Our Correspondent JAGDALPUR, May 18 UNION Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday paid homage to more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in anti-Maoist operations in Bastar, describing their sacrifice as the foundation of peace, security and development in the region. Visiting Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur, Shah said the sacrifices made by the jawans in restoring normalcy in Bastar would always be remembered and asserted that the martyrdom of the bravehearts would not go in vain. He said both the Centre and the State Government remain committed to ensuring lasting peace, accelerating development and completely eliminating Maoism from the region.

 

The Union Home Minister also met family members of the jawans Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur. Interacting with the bereaved families, Shah conveyed condolences and assured them of all possible support from the government. He also interacted with security personnel and lauded their courage, dedication and service under challenging conditions. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that Chhattisgarh would never forget the sacrifice of its bravehearts and added that the State Government remains committed to the welfare, dignity and security of families of martyred jawans. Sai said that Bastar is steadily moving towards a new era of peace, trust and development, with security forces playing a pivotal role in the transformation. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Deo, public representatives and senior police and administrative officials were present on the occasion.