At least 24 jawans have lost their lives in the fierce encounter with the naxals in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, and among those who were martyred was a CRPF jawan from Assam.

CRPF jawan from Assam’s Dudhnoi – Bablu Rabha attained martyrdom while fighting the naxals in the forests of Bijapur in Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

Bablu Rabha was a member of the CRPF’s elite commando wing – CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action).

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed condolences over the martyrdom of CRPF jawan Bablu Rabha.

Assam CM Sonowal said: “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.”

Sonowal added: “I salute the valour and ultimate sacrifice of the brave jawans who were martyred while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh. India will not forget this dastardly attack. My condolences to the family members of the deceased and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.”

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Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “I bow down to our brave hearts who attained veergati fighting naxal in Chhattisgarh. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. My condolences to the family of Assam’s proud son Swahid Bablu Rabha who laid down his life in the call of duty.”

Assam Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Gaurav Gogoi said: “The news of Swahid Bablu Rabha and other brave soldiers attaining martyrdom while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh is deeply saddening. The entire Assam mourns this loss and our thoughts and prayers are with his family members.”

Assam Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi: “Assam lost a courageous brave heart with the martyrdom of Swahid Bablu Rabha, who sacrificed his life while fighting Maoists in Chhattisgarh alongside other soldiers. We salute his supreme spirit of duty, and our prayers are with his family members in this difficult time.”

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The death toll in the Chhattisgarh Naxal encounter rose to 24 on Sunday, with other security personnel still reported missing.