CRPF’s Bravery Turned Hotspots into Growth Engines: Amit Shah

• CRPF completes 86 years of service; 2,270 personnel made supreme sacrifice
• Parade held in Northeast for the first time, calls it a proud moment
• Naxalism to be eliminated before March 31, says Shah
• CRPF now world’s largest CAPF with 248 battalions, 3.25 lakh personnel

GG News Bureau
Guwahati, 21st Feb: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the 87th Raising Day celebrations of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Guwahati, Assam, describing the force as an indispensable pillar of India’s internal security.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said that in its 86-year history, CRPF has set unparalleled examples of dedication, bravery and sacrifice, with 2,270 personnel laying down their lives in the line of duty. “India’s internal security cannot even be imagined without CRPF,” he said.

Highlighting the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas and the Northeast, Shah said the three major internal security hotspots of the past decade have now emerged as growth engines of development. He credited the sacrifices and relentless efforts of CRPF personnel for restoring peace and stability in these regions.

Calling the Guwahati parade historic, Shah noted that for the first time in its history, CRPF’s Raising Day celebrations were being held in the Northeast. He said the decision of the Modi government to organise CAPF parades in different regions of the country reflects national integration and pride.

Tracing the force’s journey since its inception in 1939 with just two battalions, Shah said CRPF has grown into the world’s largest Central Armed Police Force with 248 battalions and a strength of over 3.25 lakh personnel.

The Home Minister recalled CRPF’s role in key national security moments, including the 1965 Rann of Kutch confrontation, foiling the Parliament attack, thwarting the 2005 attack on Ram Janmabhoomi, and ensuring security during the Amarnath Yatra and Mahakumbh. He said CRPF has consistently stood as a “guarantee of the enemy’s defeat.”

Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Shah said the force played a vital role in maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir without firing a single bullet, leading to the end of stone-pelting incidents and paving the way for development and industrial growth.

On Left-Wing Extremism, Shah asserted that Naxalism, once spread across 12 states, is now on the verge of elimination. He said the country would be free from Naxalism before March 31, 2026. Praising CRPF and its CoBRA units for their role in Operation Black Forest, he said the 21-day operation in extreme heat and difficult terrain would be written in golden letters in the history of the fight against red terror.

Shah also lauded the force for its contribution to maintaining security during major religious gatherings and festivals across the country. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening CRPF and ensuring modern resources and support for its personnel.