CRPF backbone of mission to eliminate Naxalism by March next year, says Shah

INDORE: Praising CRPF for crushing left-wing extremists' dream of creating a 'red' terror corridor from Pashupatinath to Tirupati and confining them to just four districts, Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the force, particularly its CoBRA battalion , will play the lead role in making the country Naxalism-free by March 2026.

Speaking at an event in Neemuch on the 86th Raising Day of CRPF, Shah lauded CoBRA commandos for their 'unprecedented' work in making the country Naxal-free. "Whether it is fighting terrorists in the Kashmir valley, establishing peace in the northeast, or crushing hardened Naxalites, CRPF jawans have made a huge contribution in all operations."

Central armed forces - especially CRPF's CoBRA battalion - are the spearheads in the battle to smash Naxalism , he said. "CRPF has set up over 400 forward operating bases in Naxal areas, because of which violence has dropped by more than 70% in these regions. Now, we are close to ending it completely," Shah said.

Describing the CoBRA batallion as a 'symbol of valour', Shah said: "Today, even the most dreaded Naxalites tremble when they hear that CoBRA commandos are approaching."

Singh announced CRPF would be raising a special CoBRA battalion for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir. After the abrogation of Article 370, assembly elections were held in Kashmir and people had many kinds of apprehension then, but CRPF and other security forces ensured safety, Shah remarked.