Guwahati, Feb 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that India will be completely free from Naxalism by March 31, 2026, crediting the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for playing a decisive role in combating Left-Wing Extremism.
Address at 87th Raising Day celebrations
Addressing the 87th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force in Guwahati, Shah said that eliminating such a vast and complex threat within a short span was possible because of the dedication and sacrifice of CRPF personnel.
“Naxalism had spread across 12 states and numerous districts. When the government resolved to uproot this menace, the CRPF and its elite CoBRA units took the lead in the toughest operations,” he said.
Operation Black Forest highlighted
Referring to Operation Black Forest, Shah said CRPF jawans carried out a 21-day-long operation in extremely challenging terrain, enduring temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius. He said the forces did not retreat despite harsh conditions and successfully dismantled key Naxalite strongholds.
Role in weakening ‘red terror’
The Home Minister said the contribution of the CRPF and CoBRA forces in weakening “red terror” has been historic. He also acknowledged the force’s role in ensuring the smooth conduct of major religious events, including the Mahakumbh and the Amarnath Yatra, and in safeguarding internal security across the country.
Tribute to fallen personnel
Highlighting the force’s legacy, Shah said that for 86 years, the CRPF has stood as a strong pillar of India’s internal security. He paid tribute to the 2,270 personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty since its inception in 1939.
“Without their sacrifice, it would not have been possible to bring peace and development to regions once considered major security hotspots,” he said.
Peace in former security hotspots
Shah noted that around a decade ago, Jammu and Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas and the Northeast were the country’s three major internal security challenges. Today, he said, peace has largely been restored in all three regions, allowing them to move towards development.
Historic event in Northeast
He also described the Raising Day event as historic, as it was the first time in the CRPF’s 86-year history that the celebrations were being held in the Northeast. The decision to hold Central Armed Police Forces parades in different parts of the country was taken in 2019, he added.
Gallantry awards presented
During the ceremony, 14 CRPF personnel were awarded the Police Medal for Gallantry, five received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, and five battalions were honoured for outstanding performance.
Recalling past bravery
Shah recalled the CRPF’s bravery at Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch on April 9, 1965, which is commemorated annually as Shaurya Diwas. He also mentioned the force’s role in foiling the terrorist attack on Parliament and the 2005 attack on Ram Janmabhoomi.
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Post-Article 370 developments
Referring to developments in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Shah said not a single bullet had to be fired during the transition and credited the CRPF for maintaining peace.
He added that incidents of stone-pelting have reduced significantly and development activities are gaining pace, with contributions from the CRPF, BSF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, CRPF Director General G P Singh and several other dignitaries were present at the event.
