Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday declared that Naxalism will be eradicated from India by March 31, 2026, with the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) playing a pivotal role in the process.
Speaking at the CRPF’s 86th Raising Day celebrations held in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, Shah asserted, “The menace of Naxalism will end in the country by March 31, 2026, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the CAPF and CRPF, especially its CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit, will play a major role in it.”
Earlier in the day, Shah reviewed the ceremonial parade and paid homage to CRPF personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also attended the ceremony, which forms part of the extended Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF, the country’s largest paramilitary force.
Traditionally, CRPF Day is marked on March 19 to commemorate the date in 1950 when the national flag was formally presented to the force by then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. However, this year’s main parade was held on April 17 as part of continued observances.
Neemuch holds historical significance for the CRPF, as it was here on July 27, 1939, that the 'Crown Representative Police' was formed during British rule. The force was later rechristened as the Central Reserve Police Force by Sardar Patel on December 28, 1949.
Over the decades, the CRPF has played a vital role in national integration, internal security, counter-insurgency, anti-terrorism operations, disaster response, international peacekeeping and VIP security.
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