SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the 85th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Neemuch, praised the force for its role in maintaining order in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370. He said that the CRPF’s presence ensured peace without any major incident, including during local and Assembly elections, calling their restraint “historic.” Shah credited the CRPF with foiling militant plots and maintaining readiness through intelligence coordination and forward deployments.
“No insurgency could rise when faced with the discipline and strategic preparedness of CRPF,” Shah said. He also credited the CRPF with foiling several militant attempts in the region over the past five years, often through coordinated intelligence-sharing and tactical forward deployments.
Highlighting CRPF’s broader internal security efforts, Shah said the force has pushed Maoist activity into just four districts, largely due to its CoBRA battalion and the establishment of over 400 forward bases. He reaffirmed the government’s aim to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026.
The Home Minister paid tribute to the 2,264 CRPF personnel who have died in the line of duty and recalled the force’s contributions since its formation in 1939—from battles at Sardar Post to Parliament attack prevention. He also noted CRPF’s international peacekeeping roles, medal tally of 2,708, and its involvement in national campaigns and environmental drives. Welfare measures under the Modi government, including health cover and housing, were also outlined.
