GUWAHATI : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday paid tribute to personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who lost their lives in the line of duty in the Northeast, stating that nearly 700 jawans of the force have made the ultimate sacrifice to restore peace and stability in the region.

Addressing the 87th Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF at the Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in Guwahati, Shah said that Assam alone witnessed the loss of 79 security personnel during years of insurgency and unrest.

“The peace and normalcy that people of Assam and the Northeast are experiencing today have come at a heavy cost. Nearly 700 CRPF jawans laid down their lives for peace in the Northeast. Without these sacrifices, it would not have been possible to restore law and order,” he said.

Shah recalled that a decade ago, the Northeast, along with Jammu and Kashmir and Maoist-affected areas, posed serious internal security challenges. “Ten to twelve years ago, the region frequently witnessed bandhs, blockades, bomb blasts and violence. Today, there is a visible atmosphere of peace and stability,” he said, attributing the transformation to sustained security operations and coordinated efforts between the Centre and the states.

The Home Minister noted that the improved security environment has paved the way for accelerated development, connectivity and investment across the Northeast. He highlighted the signing of several peace accords with insurgent groups and enhanced coordination among security agencies as key factors in reducing violence.

During the ceremonial parade, eight CRPF contingents – including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), women personnel and CoBRA units – took part in the celebrations. Fourteen personnel were awarded police medals for gallantry, while five received the President’s Medal for distinguished service. Five battalions were also honoured for outstanding performance.

Shah traced the growth of the CRPF from its inception in 1939 with just two battalions to its present strength of 248 battalions and over 3.25 lakh personnel. He lauded the force’s role in safeguarding the unity and integrity of the country, particularly in sensitive regions such as the Northeast.

Recalling historic acts of bravery, Shah referred to the events of October 21, 1959, at Hot Springs in Ladakh, when CRPF personnel faced a surprise Chinese attack. The sacrifice of ten jawans is commemorated annually as Police Commemoration Day. He also mentioned CRPF Valour Day, observed on April 9, marking the 1965 Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, where two CRPF companies repulsed a Pakistani brigade despite losing six personnel.

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to sustaining peace in the Northeast, Shah said the government would continue to support security forces and strengthen coordination with state administrations.

Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, was the chief guest at the parade. Since December 29, this marks his third visit to poll-bound Assam, where the BJP is seeking to retain power for a third consecutive term.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the 10th Assam Police Battalion campus at Kochutuli in Sonapur, linking the State’s ongoing eviction drives to a broader push for strengthening internal security in Assam and the Northeast.

Addressing a public gathering at the site, Shah described the project as a significant step towards reinforcing the region’s security architecture. The campus, estimated to cost around Rs 270 crore, is being developed over 174 bighas of land that was previously under encroachment.

“Today is an important day for both Assam and the nation’s security. I am happy that the land, which was once under encroachment and raised security concerns, has been freed and is now being used for strengthening law enforcement. This project reflects our commitment to ensuring safety and stability in the region,” Shah said.

The Union Home Minister underlined that improved infrastructure for police forces was central to the Centre’s strategy of enhancing operational efficiency and response capability in sensitive and border States. He also reiterated the importance accorded to the Northeast under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that the Prime Minister’s frequent visits to the region signal its growing prominence in national policy.

According to officials, the new battalion campus will include separate barracks for 450 male and 450 female personnel, a mini hospital, modern training facilities, a firing range, a technical hub, and advanced surveillance systems. A sports complex is also planned as part of efforts to support the physical and mental well-being of personnel.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present at the event, said the Kochutuli land had remained encroached upon for years despite long-standing demands from local residents for eviction from tribal belt and block areas.

“People of Kochutuli and Dimoria had been seeking the removal of encroachers from tribal belt and block areas. Earlier, no government dared to act. Our government cleared more than 700 bighas of land here,” Sarma said.