India Overcame Decades Of Naxalism On March 31, Says Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tribute to police martyrs at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on Police Commemoration Day, saying their sacrifices had laid the foundation for a Naxalism-free India.

Addressing the gathering, Shah honoured police personnel who had laid down their lives to protect the country’s internal security and borders since Independence. He said their courage and sacrifice had helped India earn respect globally and safeguard its security.

Shah described 2026 as a significant year for Indian security forces, stating that India had overcome decades of Naxalism on March 31. He recalled that violence between 1981 and March 2026 had claimed the lives of more than 3,600 security personnel and nearly 13,700 civilians.

Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, Shah told their families that their sacrifices had helped the country overcome a longstanding security challenge and move towards development. He expressed the nation’s gratitude to the families of those who had lost their lives in the fight against Naxalism.

Shah further recalled that 10 CRPF personnel died fighting Chinese forces at Ladakh’s Hot Springs on October 21, 1959, marking the origin of Police Commemoration Day.

PM Modi inaugurated the National Police Memorial in 2018. Shah said it honours 36,852 police martyrs, with 154 more added this year.

Shah praised the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for conducting the West Bengal Assembly elections without any deaths. He further contrasted the outcome with the state’s history of electoral violence and commended security personnel for helping ensure peaceful polling.

The Minister said the achievement reflected the security forces’ commitment to protecting lives and maintaining democratic processes.

Also Read: Police Commemoration Day 2026: PM Modi Pays Tribute To Fallen Police Personnel