Union Home Minister Amit Shah Pays Tribute to CRPF Martyrs at Annual Day Parade in Neemuch

Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh): Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah addressed the CRPF Day Parade as the Chief Guest at Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, today. The event marked a significant moment in honouring the valor and sacrifice of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the largest paramilitary force in the country. The occasion was also graced by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, CRPF Director General, and several other dignitaries.

In a stirring address, Shah paid homage to the 2,264 CRPF personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, stating that their supreme sacrifice would be inscribed in golden letters in the “golden book” of India’s centenary of independence in 2047. He emphasized that their unwavering dedication is helping India progress toward becoming a global leader in every field.

Shah recounted the historical journey of CRPF, which was founded in 1939 as the Crown Representative Police and later restructured by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country’s first Home Minister, who also defined its charter and presented its flag. Today, the CRPF boasts a strength of around 3 lakh personnel, deployed across 248 battalions, 21 sector headquarters, 2 operational sectors, and 39 administrative ranges, serving in some of the most challenging environments in India and abroad.

Highlighting key moments of bravery, Shri Shah recalled CRPF’s resistance to the Chinese Army at Hot Spring in Ladakh in 1959, which is commemorated annually as Police Smriti Diwas, and its heroic stand against Pakistani forces at Sardar Post in 1965, observed as Shaurya Diwas on April 9.

He also remembered CRPF’s role in thwarting major terrorist threats — including the 2001 attack on Parliament, the 2005 attack on Ram Janmabhoomi, and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in Naxal-affected areas, where the force’s elite COBRA battalion has played a decisive role. Shah asserted that Naxalism will be eradicated by March 31, 2026, crediting CRPF’s relentless pursuit of peace.

The Home Minister lauded CRPF’s vital role in maintaining peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, ensuring incident-free elections, and building public confidence. “No booth was looted, no bullet fired — this is the measure of their success,” he said.

Shri Shah also noted CRPF’s international engagements, including participation in UN Peacekeeping Missions in Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo, and Liberia, and its exceptional track record of earning 2,708 medals, the highest among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Recognizing the force’s contribution beyond combat, Shah praised CRPF’s participation in national campaigns such as Swachh Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. Over the past five years, CAPFs have planted over 6 crore saplings, with CRPF leading several key milestones.

Highlighting welfare measures under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he mentioned the launch of air courier services in remote areas, Ayushman CAPF cards for medical coverage, and improvements in housing satisfaction through the CAPF e-Housing web portal. Additionally, women’s participation is being boosted with 450 new barracks sanctioned, and scholarships and ex-gratia support have been significantly expanded.

“From guarding India’s borders to ensuring the safety of religious pilgrimages like Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi, and Kumbh Mela, CRPF remains the backbone of India’s internal security,” Shah stated.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to further empowering CAPFs and ensuring their families are well cared for. “CRPF is not just a security force; it is a symbol of national unity, courage, and unwavering service,” he said.