Guwahati, Feb 21: Amit Shah on Saturday, February 21, underscored the contribution of the Central Reserve Police Force in stabilising conflict-affected regions, particularly in the Northeast, while addressing the force’s 87th Raising Day Parade in Assam.
Shah attended the ceremony at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai on the second day of his two-day visit to the state. This marked the first time that Assam hosted the CRPF Raising Day Parade.
Commending the personnel of the force, the Home Minister said CRPF jawans have made immense sacrifices in the service of the nation. He stated that 2,270 CRPF personnel have lost their lives in the line of duty, including around 700 in the Northeast, 540 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 79 in Assam.
Shah observed that regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and parts of the Northeast were once regarded as highly disturbed areas, but credited the efforts of security forces, including the CRPF, for the improvement in the overall security situation. He also highlighted the force’s growth from two battalions at the time of its inception to 243 battalions at present, with a strength exceeding 3.89 lakh personnel.
He added that the CRPF has played a crucial role in combating insurgency and Left-wing extremism and in addressing major security challenges across the country. Alongside the CRPF, he noted, forces such as the Border Security Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police have significantly contributed to maintaining law and order in sensitive regions.
The Home Minister is currently on a two-day visit to Assam, during which he is participating in official engagements and public programmes.
