Raipur, Oct 17: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday paid tribute to security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, stating that the new dawn of peace, trust, and development in Bastar was built on their supreme sacrifice. Addressing the ‘Shauryanjali: Dedicated to the Heroes of Bastar’ event in Raipur, organised by The Hindu Foundation, Nagpur, the Chief Minister honoured 50 martyrs and felicitated their family members.

The event was held under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, marking the completion of 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service.

Expressing deep gratitude to the bereaved families, CM Sai assured them that their welfare remains a top priority for the state government. “When a soldier is martyred, the loss to the family is irreparable. While no compensation can replace a loved one, the people of Chhattisgarh will always stand by their families,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the state considers martyrs’ families as part of its own extended family.

Highlighting the security situation, CM Sai stated that the joint campaign by the Central and state governments against Naxalism has achieved decisive success under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Security personnel faced immense challenges operating in dense forests and inaccessible terrain to meet the targets set by the Union Home Ministry to eradicate Naxalism.

He noted that Bastar, renowned for its rich tribal culture and natural beauty, had suffered four decades of violence that deprived remote villages of basic infrastructure. He commended the personnel of the Chhattisgarh Police, District Reserve Guard (DRG), Bastar Fighters, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their relentless service.

The Chief Minister pointed out that as peace returns, developmental initiatives like the state’s ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ scheme are extending roads, electricity, healthcare, and education to once-isolated villages.

“Bastar’s identity is no longer defined by fear or violence, but by its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and talented youth,” CM Sai said, citing youth-centric initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum.

He commended The Hindu Foundation, Nagpur, for its nationwide initiative to support over 800 martyrs’ families, calling the event a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.