'From red terror to Tricolour': Amit Shah hails elimination of 31 maoists on Chhattisgarh-Telangana border

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday hailed the elimination of 31 maoists in a counter-insurgency operation at Kurraguttalu Hill, a site he described as "once a stronghold of red terror," marking a major step in the Centre's push for a "Naxal-free Bharat."Taking to X, Shah said the joint security forces’ action on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border was a major operation against maoists forces, and a historic moment in India's fight against it.“In a historic triumph towards the resolve of Naxal-free Bharat, security forces have achieved unprecedented success against naxalism, neutralising 31 notorious Naxalites in the largest operation to date at Kurraguttalu Hill (KGH)... The hill, once a stronghold of red terror, now proudly flies the tricolour,” Shah wrote.Kurraguttalu Hill, according to Shah, served as a central base for various maoist outfits including PLGA Battalion 1, DKSZC, TSC, and CRC, and was used for planning, training, and weapons manufacturing.The home minister commended the bravery and coordination of the CRPF, Special Task Force (STF), and District Reserve Guard (DRG), mentioning that the high-risk operation was completed in just 21 days without a single casualty among the forces.“I congratulate the brave CRPF, STF, and DRG personnel who faced the Naxalites with unparalleled courage and valour despite adverse weather and treacherous hilly terrain. The entire nation is proud of you,” he said.Reaffirming the central government's determination to root out maoist violence, Shah said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are resolute in eradicating naxalism from its roots. I reaffirm to the people of the nation that a Naxal-free India by 31 March 2026 is certain.”