Naxalism Claimed Over 13,700 Civilian Lives, Says Amit Shah; Pays Tribute to Fallen Personnel
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said more than 13,700 civilians and 3,600 security personnel had lost their lives to Naxalism, paying tribute to those killed during India’s decades-long fight against the insurgency.
Addressing the Police Commemoration Day parade in New Delhi, Shah said the country had attained freedom from Naxalism on March 31, 2026. He credited the sacrifices of security personnel and their families for helping overcome the challenge.
“Since 1981, Naxalism has inflicted deep wounds across several districts, claiming the lives of countless innocent security personnel and civilians,” Shah said.
He added that Chhattisgarh had suffered the highest number of casualties among security forces.
TRIBUTE TO PERSONNEL AND FAMILIES
Shah said the country’s progress rested on the sacrifices of those who had fought the insurgency.
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“If the nation is moving forward on the path of development today, having overcome a problem that persisted for five decades, it is because the sacrifice of 3,600 brave personnel serves as its foundation,” he said.
Addressing their families, he expressed the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of their loved ones.
The Home Minister also honoured police personnel who had died protecting internal security and the country’s borders since Independence. He said their contribution had helped India overcome successive challenges and secure a respected position globally.
ANTI-DRUG MOTORCYCLE RALLY FLAGGED OFF
Earlier, Shah flagged off a nationwide motorcycle rally from the National Police Memorial under the theme “Fight Against Drugs”.
The rally comprises around 90 riders representing nine states and Union Territories, along with personnel from Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations.
The riders will travel through several states before reaching Ekta Nagar in Gujarat to participate in the Ekta Parade on October 31.
The parade marks Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Shah also laid floral tributes at the National Police Memorial.
Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on October 21 to remember police personnel who died in service. The observance commemorates the sacrifice of CRPF personnel attacked by Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh in 1959.
With inputs from ANI