Jagdalpur

Amit Shah on Monday said both the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government are firmly committed to ensuring lasting peace in the Bastar region and delivering development benefits to the last person in some of the state’s most remote tribal areas.

Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh, paid homage at Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar district, where memorials honour more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against Maoist insurgency.

During the tribute ceremony, Shah said the sacrifices made by security forces in restoring peace, security and development in Bastar would never be forgotten, adding that the nation would always remember the courage of those who laid down their lives in service.

Calling the transformation of Bastar a historic milestone, Shah said the sacrifices of the security personnel had paved the way for a new phase of peace and progress in the region. He reiterated that both the Union and state governments are working with full dedication to ensure that development reaches even the most remote communities.

This marks Shah’s first visit to Chhattisgarh since the region was officially declared free from armed Maoist presence on March 31.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Shah also met the family members of slain security personnel Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur district. He assured them of continued support from the government.

The Union home minister also interacted with serving security personnel and praised their bravery, discipline and commitment in combating extremism.

Chief Minister Sai, speaking on the occasion, said the sacrifices of the martyred personnel would always be remembered and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and security of their families.

He added that Bastar is now entering a new chapter marked by peace, trust and development, and acknowledged the crucial role played by the security forces in bringing about this transformation.

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The event was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Deo, along with senior police and administrative officials.