Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Mar 25 (UNI) Emphasising that “we are on the verge of victory” against the scourge of Left-wing extremism (LWE), Union Home Affairs and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to the more than 36,000 personnel of various police forces who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while combating internal security challenges across India.



Addressing officers and men of the CRPF here on the occasion of the Force’s 84th Raising Day, the visiting leader averred: “In your gilded history; 2,249 members attained martyrdom and 763 of them fell fighting in this very state. I reiterate that we stand alongside the affected families. After the genesis of LWE, this is the maiden occasion when CRPF Day is being celebrated within Bastar division. This is a matter of extreme joy and pride. We have pushed them onto the back foot. LWE posed a hurdle against development vis-à-vis establishment of schools, infirmaries and supply of grain. I give entire credit to the CRPF for reversing the situation. The Force involved the local police and thereby boosted the latter’s morale. Such coordination displayed organisational skill. From a peak in 2010, a 76 per cent decline has been recorded in LWE and the fatalities graph plummeted by 78 per cent. A Joint Task Force was constituted for preventing insurgents from misusing borders. In Bihar and Jharkhand, a security vacuum is ending. In order to prevent funding of rebels, the NIA and the ED registered numerous cases.”



Be it Jammu, Kashmir, the North-East or LWE-affected areas; the CRPF displayed ceaseless alertness and gallantry. Consequently, development percolated to tribal folk, he stressed.



Mr Shah bowed to freedom fighter Usha Mehta on her birth anniversary and dedicated three CRPF projects worth approximately Rs 174 crore.



“A weekly news bulletin in adivasi language has been started by Akashvani and Doordarshan. Not only will the local tongue be strengthened but tribal folk shall receive direct global news and a connection will thus be formed. Female power has been highlighted by a CRPF all-women expedition on 38 motorcycles. All Indian daughters were consequently encouraged,” the Minister observed.



He touched on the milestones in CRPF history and highlighted the stellar role of the Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.



“The Force boasts 246 battalions having in excess of three lakh personnel. When I am visiting any corner of the country and receive news of an untoward incident and also learn that the CRPF is reaching ground zero, I experience relief and continue on my schedule as I am confident that the CRPF jawan will not return without teaching a lesson to wrongdoers. Turning the pages of history reveals that the CRPF took on the Chinese Army in Ladakh and gave a fitting reply to Pakistani forces at Sardar Post on April 9, 1965. Democracy can thrive only in an atmosphere of security. During elections, the CRPF contributed significantly by taking responsibility for smooth conduct of the democratic process. It played a significant role in repelling terrorist attacks on Parliament and the Ram Janmabhoomi,” Mr Shah added.