Guwahati, 21 February (HS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday described the hosting of the 87th Raising Day Parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Assam for the first time as a proud milestone for the Northeast, underlining the region’s growing prominence in national affairs.

Addressing the ceremonial parade at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Sarusajai, Shah noted that in its 86-year history, the CRPF had never organised its Raising Day parade in the Northeast. He recalled that in 2019 the government decided to rotate the annual event across different parts of the country, expressing satisfaction that Assam had now become a host to the prestigious occasion.

Highlighting the force’s contribution to national security, the Home Minister said CRPF personnel have made immense sacrifices in the line of duty. He stated that 2,270 jawans have laid down their lives for the nation, including around 700 in the Northeast, 540 in Jammu and Kashmir and 79 in Assam. He added that areas once regarded as highly disturbed — such as Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and parts of the Northeast — have witnessed significant improvement in security due to the sustained efforts of forces including the CRPF.

Shah further pointed out that the CRPF, which began with just two battalions, has expanded to 243 battalions with a strength of over 3.89 lakh personnel. He said the force has played a decisive role in combating insurgency, Left-wing extremism and other major security challenges across the country, alongside agencies such as the Border Security Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Earlier, on February 20, Shah launched the second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme at Natanpur in Katigara along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar district. He said the initiative aims to accelerate development in border areas, covering 334 blocks and nearly 1,954 villages across 17 states, including 140 villages in Assam.

Referring to state-specific issues, Shah said illegal land encroachment continues to pose a serious challenge in Assam. He stated that the state government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken concrete measures to address the problem.

Later, at a public meeting in Silchar, the Home Minister highlighted Assam’s infrastructure growth over the past five years, stating that the state has built an average of 14 kilometres of roads per day and completed several bridges, including four major ones.

Shah is on a two-day visit to Assam to attend official engagements and public programmes across the state.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash