CRPF 'backbone' of mission to rid country of Naxalism by March 2026: Amit Shah

Union Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that the CRPF is the backbone of the mission that will eliminate Naxalism which is confined to just four districts in IndiaAmit Shah also claims to eradicate Naxalism in the country by March 31 2026Shah delivered a speech at the 86th Raising Day ceremony of the Central Reserve Police Force CRPF held in the Neemuch district of Madhya PradeshNaxalism has been confined to just four districts in India The menace will end in the country by March 31 2026 as Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated The CAPF Central Armed Police Forces and the CRPF especially its CoBRA battalion are playing a major role in eliminating Naxalism from the country Shah stated reported PTIThe Commando Battalion for Resolute Action CoBRA is a specialised unit of the CRPF that combats the Naxal menace and is also known for its excellence in guerrilla and jungle warfareThe CRPF has set up over 400 forward operating bases in Naxal affected areas Because of this violence in these regions has come down by more than 70 per cent and we are now close to ending it Amit Shah noted reported PTIShah said the CRPFs contribution to national security is unparalleled whether it is fighting terrorists in the Kashmir valley ensuring peace in the Northeast or confining hardened Naxalites to just four districts todayIn all these achievements the CRPF jawans have played a major role No number of books can do justice to their bravery sense of duty and courage Shah saidOne of the greatest achievements of the CRPF is its massive contribution to eliminating Naxalism the minister said Today even the most dreaded Naxalites tremble when they hear about CoBRA commandos approaching he addedThe CoBRA battalion has become a symbol of valour I congratulate all CoBRA jawans on the 86th Raising Day parade and thank them for their courage Shah further stated reported PTIUnder your leadership the CRPF jawans have made remarkable strides in eradicating Naxalism And today I announce that by March 31 2026 Naxalism will be completely wiped out from India This is a pledge the nation has taken and the CRPF is the backbone of this mission Shah addedThe CRPF has always made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country Shah notedThats why whenever there is unrest anywhere in the country and as home minister I get to know that CRPF jawans are deployed there I can focus on my other duties without worry because I have faith that if the CRPF is present victory is assured Shah saidShah further stated 2264 among you have sacrificed their lives I want to say to families of all the martyrs that as the nation moves forward towards becoming the supreme power by 2047 your families contribution is immense reported PTIWhen the golden history of Indias independence is written the saga of our immortal martyrs sacrifice will be written in golden letters I am fully confident of this Shah assertedThe event was part of the 86th Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF according to an official release reported PTIThe CRPF Day is celebrated every year on March 19 as it was on this day in 1950 that the flag was presented to the force by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai PatelThis year the parade was held on April 17 as part of extended celebrationsMadhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended the event as wellIt was in Neemuch on July 27 1939 that the Crown Representative Police was established during British rule which was renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force by Home Minister Patel on December 28 1949The CRPF has played a strong role in many fronts ranging from the integration of princely states to internal security counterinsurgencyterrorism operations international peacekeeping VIP security and disaster managementWith inputs from PTIatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params