The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, said on Saturday that the government's effort to suppress the Maoist insurgency is progressing steadily, and expressed confidence that the Maoist movement would be eliminated by the end of March this year.
Speaking at the 87th Raising Day parade of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Guwahati, Assam, Shah praised the CRPF for its relentless operations and crucial contribution to the country's internal security.
"I can't even imagine how this big and historic task with huge challenges is nearing its end in just three years. Based on the impressive work by CRPF, I want to reiterate to the nation that Maoist insurgency will be completely rooted out by March 31," Shah was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
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Operation Black Forest highlighted
Shah praised Operation Black Forest, conducted by the CRPF in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, in May last year, as a historic success in the battle against Maoists. The operation resulted in the killing of 27 top Maoist leaders, including CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao, alias Basavaraju.
After the raid, the number of arrests and surrenders was reported to be 54 and 84 respectively in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Maharashtra.
"When the country will finally get rid of Maoist insurgency, I will state without any hesitation that a big role in it was played by CRPF and its CoBRA Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) battalions," he was quoted as saying by HT.
Role of security forces in internal stability
The Home Minister also mentioned the broader role of the CRPF in maintaining the integrity of internal security over the years. He said that what were considered major trouble spots, Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and areas affected by Maoist violence, have made significant progress.
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"10-12 years ago there were three hotspots threatening the country’s internal security--Jammu & Kashmir, north east and Left-wing Maoist insurgency. At present, we have been able to bring peace to a considerable extent in these areas," he said.
These regions are becoming new centres of development, and Shah expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices made by the security personnel. He said that the CRPF has lost 2,270 personnel in the line of duty, with 700 in the Northeast, 780 in the Maoist-affected areas, 540 in Jammu and Kashmir, and 250 in other areas.
"The CRPF, BSF and Jammu & Kashmir police have a big role in ensuring there was no major violence or incidents of stone-pelting in J&K after removal of Article 370...CRPF has also played a big role in controlling the ethnic violence in Manipur," he said.
Shah, currently on a two-day visit to Assam and Tripura, is also scheduled to attend the foundation stone laying ceremony for the headquarters of the 10th battalion of Assam Police before returning to Delhi.
