Naxalism drawing its last breaths: CRPF DG

Asserting that Naxalism is drawing its last breaths, CRPF Director General GP Singh on Thursday said the menace will be eradicated from the country by March as announced by Home Minister Amit Shah. Addressing the DG’s Parade of the force in Guwahati, he said decisive steps have been taken by the CRPF in joint operations with other security agencies against Naxalites in the last year.

“In the operations against Naxals, we have achieved unprecedented success. Decisive steps have been taken in the joint operations with other security agencies,” he said, highlighting the role of the General Duty battalion and CoBRA Commandos of the CRPF in it. “Naxalism is drawing its last breaths. Through our joint operations, Naxalism is mostly over. It is on its way to be eradicated by March 2026, as announced by our Union Home minister,” Singh said.

Mentioning the force’s role in Jammu and Kashmir, the DG said it is involved in joint operations against militants and commended the personnel for putting up camps in heavy snowfall areas and ensuring security of those parts. Singh also lauded the personnel deployed in the North East, especially in Manipur, with the force engaged in maintaining law and order in the region. “Our force has been able to win the trust of the people in the region as a neutral agency,” he said.

The DG recalled the personnel martyred in the line of duty and affirmed the support of the CRPF for the families of the deceased. He also dwelt on the measures being pursued by the force for the physical and mental well-being of the personnel and welfare of the families, including addressing healthcare needs. Singh presented 61 medals, eight trophies and one citation on the occasion. The best Forward Operating Base among those established in Naxal-affected areas over the past year also received a citation from the Director General.

The parade was commanded by Deepak Daundiyal, a commandant-level officer. The contingent commanders of the sectors were officers of the rank of assistant commandant. The DG’s Parade was held ahead of the Force’s 87th Anniversary Parade, which will be attended by Shah on Saturday, with both events being conducted in the North East for the first time. During the Anniversary Day Parade, 26 awards, including six Distinguished Service Medals and five trophies, will be presented by the Union Home Minister. Shah will also honour the best battalions of the three theatres with trophies where the CRPF is deployed.