Guwahati, February 21: Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed on Saturday that Naxalism would be completely eliminated from India by the government-set deadline of March 31. Speaking at the 87th CRPF Day Parade in Guwahati, Shah praised the CRPF’s pivotal role in combating insurgency, highlighting their success in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and their efforts to dismantle Maoist forces over three years. He specifically commended the CRPF for Operation Black Forest, where 31 Naxals were killed in difficult conditions on the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border.

Shah celebrated the force’s major contributions in eliminating "red terror," noting that the CRPF had not only confronted threats but also played a crucial role in restoring peace in India’s troubled regions. The Home Minister also highlighted the CRPF’s role in major national events and the force’s incredible sacrifices, citing the loss of 2,270 CRPF jawans in the line of duty.

The CRPF’s first-ever Raising-Day parade in the northeast, held in Assam, was marked by impressive displays, including intricate rifle drills, hostage-rescue simulations, and anti-Naxal demonstrations. Shah stressed that the CRPF’s dedication and sacrifices were instrumental in bringing peace to once-volatile areas, which are now driving India’s development forward.