Assam's Bablu Rabha among Five jawans martyred fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh

GUWAHATI: A CRPF Jawan from Assam's Dudhnoi attained martyrdom on Saturday in an encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh along the borders of Bijapur and Sukma districts in Bastar region.

The jawan identified as Bablu Rabha, belonged to the elite unit of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action).

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a tweet expressed his condolences to the bereaved family.

"Heartfelt tributes to CRPF jawan from Assam's Dudhnoi, Bablu Rabha, who attained martyrdom while bravely fighting against the Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The whole nation stands behind the bereaved family of Swahid Bablu Rabha in this hour of extreme grief. My sincere condolences," he tweeted.

As per latest reports, eight security personnel have been killed in line of duty and around 18 are still missing after an encounter yesterday with Maoists in Chhattisgarh.

Reportedly, the number of deaths of the security personnel have increased to eight, earlier, on Saturday five security personnel had died in action, informed Director General (Naxal Operations) of Chhattisgarh Police Ashok Juneja.

The body of a suspected Maoist was also recovered from the encounter spot.

A major operation was launched by a joint team of security forces from Bijapur and Sukma districts in the South Bastar forests. The Maoists laid an ambush, following which an encounter started, which lasted for three hours inside the jungle.

"The news of the death of 5 soldiers in the Naxalite encounter on the Bijapur-Sukma district border is sad. My condolences are with the families of the martyrs. The martyrdom of our security forces will not go in vain," tweeted Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel. 

Taking stock of the situation Union Home Minister Amt Shah directed the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Kuldiep Singh to visit Chhattisgarh to assess the situation. Shah also spoke to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and assured all necessary help from the centre.

"I bow to the sacrifices of our brave security personnel martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Nation will never forget their valour. My condolences are with their families. We will continue our fight against these enemies of peace & progress. May injured recover soon," Shah had tweeted earlier.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted last evening: "My thoughts are with the families of those martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. The sacrifices of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten. May the injured recover at the earliest."

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