Agencies |Guwahati, Feb 21:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday asserted that Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new era of peace and declared that Naxalism will be eradicated from the country by March 31, 2026 — a deadline set by the Centre.
Addressing the 87th Raising Day Parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Guwahati — the first time the event has been held in the Northeast — Shah praised the force for its decisive role in strengthening internal security across the country.
He said the CRPF has been instrumental in restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting that incidents of stone-pelting have “dropped to zero.” He also lauded the force’s contribution in handling ethnic violence in Manipur and in dismantling Maoist networks in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas.
“Naxalism had spread across 12 states and numerous districts. When the government resolved to uproot this menace, CRPF and CoBRA personnel played the most crucial role,” Shah said, adding that a massive and complex challenge had been addressed within just three years.
“Because of the courage and dedication of CRPF personnel, we can confidently say that by March 31, 2026, the country will be completely free from Naxalism,” he stated.
Operation Black Forest and Anti-Naxal Success
The Home Minister specifically praised Operation Black Forest conducted in the Karreguta Hills along the Chhattisgarh–Telangana border in April–May 2025, during which 31 Naxals were killed. He said CRPF personnel operated continuously for 21 days in extreme geographical and climatic conditions, enduring temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celsius.
“Despite rocky terrain and scorching heat, our personnel did not retreat even an inch and dismantled a major Naxal stronghold,” Shah said, describing the operation as a turning point in the fight against “red terror.”
He added that the CRPF and its elite CoBRA unit have made a significant contribution toward eliminating Left-Wing Extremism from the country.
Recognition for Bravery and Service
On the occasion, 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.
Shah noted that in its 86-year history, this was the first time the Raising Day parade was held in the Northeast, calling it a matter of pride for Assam and the entire region. He recalled that in 2019, a decision was taken to hold annual parades of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in different parts of the country to recognise their nationwide presence.
J&K, Northeast and LWE Areas: From Hotspots to Growth Engines
Underlining the CRPF’s central role in India’s internal security architecture, Shah said that 11–12 years ago, Jammu and Kashmir, LWE-affected areas, and the Northeast were the country’s three major internal security hotspots.
“Bomb blasts, bullets, bandhs and blockades were once common in these regions. Today, peace has been established, and these areas are becoming engines of growth,” he said.
He also referred to the abrogation of Article 370, stating that not a single bullet had to be fired afterward in Jammu and Kashmir and credited the CRPF for ensuring peace during the transition. He added that industries are coming into the region and development activities have accelerated.
Shah acknowledged the contributions of the CRPF, the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in maintaining law and order in the Union Territory.
A Legacy of Sacrifice
Highlighting the force’s legacy, Shah said the CRPF began in 1939 with just two battalions and has grown into the world’s largest CAPF, with 248 battalions and a strength of 3.25 lakh personnel.
He paid tribute to the 2,270 CRPF personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, including 700 in the Northeast, 780 in Naxal-affected areas, and 540 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Without these sacrifices, it would have been impossible to bring these regions onto the path of development,” he said.
The Home Minister also recalled the force’s role in foiling the terrorist attack on Parliament and preventing an attack on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in 2005, as well as securing major events such as the Amarnath Yatra and the Maha Kumbh.
The event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, CRPF Director General G P Singh, and other senior officials and dignitaries.
