CRPF leads nation's pledge to wipe out Naxalism by next year, says Amit Shah
Published on Apr 17, 2025
By IANS
- NEEMUCH — With earnest commendation for the Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF), Union Home Minister Amit Shah proclaimed on Thursday that the nation
has embraced a pledge that by the end of March 2026, Maoism will be wiped out
from India. He was addressing an assembly of brave soldiers of the CRPF on the
86th ‘Raising Day parade’ of the force in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh.
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- The CRPF, he emphasised, has rendered unparalleled
service to the country. "
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- "With more than 400 forward-operating bases
established, Naxal-related violence has been curtailed by a remarkable 70 per
cent. Whenever the Naxalites catch word of the CRPF advancing, terror spreads
among their ranks like wildfire," the Home Minister said.
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- "Today, having confined these nefarious elements to
a mere quartet of districts," HM Shah said, no one could ever fully capture
the valour and fortitude of this force, whose origins trace back to 1939.
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- "As the nation strides toward prominence by
2047," he said, "the contributions of CRPF and the sacrifices of its
families remain etched in our aspirations. When the annals of golden history
are penned, the bravery and heroism of our soldiers will gleam
forevermore."
- Read: 78 Battalion CRPF observes Valour Day
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- The Home Minister also announced plans to establish a
Cobra battalion in Jammu and Kashmir. He underscored the foresight of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel, who not only bestowed the flag upon the CRPF but also
outlined its guiding principles.
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- Referring to a historic event, HM Shah said during the
1965 confrontation with Pakistan’s forces in the ‘Rann of Kachchh’, the CRPF
delivered a befitting response. Similarly, when the Indian Parliament was
attacked, and when Ram Janmabhoomi was under siege, the CRPF thwarted these
threats with valour unmatched.
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- The force has left no stone unturned in safeguarding the
unity and sovereignty of India, HM Shah said.
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- Wherever unrest arises across the nation, the presence of
CRPF instils unwavering confidence; their arrival signifies certain triumph, he
added.
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- HM Shah reflected on the sacrifices made since the CRPF's
inception, underscoring that 2,264 brave souls had laid down their lives in
protecting the nation. He reassured the bereaved families of these martyrs,
affirming their pivotal role in India’s journey to ascendancy by 2047. The
nation beams with pride for the CRPF, he stressed.
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- Before addressing the ceremony, HM Shah paid homage to
fallen heroes at the memorial. Riding in an open jeep, he proceeded to inspect
the parade.
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- Eight contingents of the CRPF showcased their discipline
and might, and the Home Minister accepted their salute with dignity. He
conferred medals of bravery upon select CRPF personnel, honouring their
exceptional valour.
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- Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was also present to lend
his support to the proceedings.
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- Each year, on March 19, CRPF Day is commemorated, marking
the day in 1950 when Sardar Patel, then Home Minister, ceremonially presented
the flag to this distinguished force.
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- Neemuch holds historical prominence, for it was here on
July 27, 1939, amidst British dominion, that the 'Crown Representative Police'
was founded. After Independence, this entity was rechristened as the Central
Reserve Police Force by Sardar Patel on December 28, 1949.