Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid tribute to police personnel who died in the line of duty, saying their sacrifices had laid the foundation for a Naxalism-free India, and called for a coordinated nationwide campaign to eliminate the drug problem by December 31, 2029.
Addressing Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, HM Shah said the country had made significant progress in addressing longstanding security challenges in Kashmir, the Northeast and regions affected by Left-wing extremism.
“It is my great privilege to be present here among all of you at the National Police Memorial on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day. Today, we have gathered here to pay tribute to the brave police personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation from Independence to the present day,” he said.
Reflecting on India’s journey since Independence, HM Shah said that after nearly eight decades, “the nation appears to be standing in a position of respect in the world today. The sacrifices of our brave personnel have laid the foundation for this.”
“No one can even imagine where we would stand today if these personnel had not made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard internal security and protect the country’s borders,” he said.
HM Shah described 2026 as a significant year for the police, saying India had become free of Naxalism on March 31 after decades of violence.
“From 1981 until March 2026, the country suffered greatly because of Naxalism. How many innocent security personnel and civilians lost their lives? During this period, more than 3,600 security personnel were martyred, and nearly 13,700 innocent civilians were also killed. Today, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day at the Police Memorial, I wish to pay my heartfelt tribute to all the personnel who laid down their lives.”
Addressing their families, he said: “I also want to tell their families that if the country is now moving forward on the path of development after overcoming this decades-old problem, the sacrifice of these 3,600 personnel forms the foundation of that progress. The entire country expresses its gratitude to you for the sacrifice made by your family members.”
The Home Minister said improvements in internal security had created opportunities for development in areas previously affected by conflict.
“In recent years, the country has faced several challenges, including three major problems that we had endured for decades and which were considered critical hotspots for our internal security: Kashmir, the Northeast and the entire region affected by Left-wing extremism. Today, all three hotspots are peaceful, an atmosphere conducive to development has emerged, and these regions are ready to compete with the rest of the country in development.”
“We have largely succeeded in curbing terrorism in Kashmir. Following several agreements and thousands of people laying down their arms, the entire Northeast has moved towards peace. Our police and CAPF personnel have also achieved significant success in completely eliminating the Naxal problem, which had spread across several states for five decades. I would particularly like to commend and congratulate the CAPF and the CoBRA Battalion for their contribution to ending Naxalism,” he added.
HM Shah also thanked Central Armed Police Forces personnel for their service along the borders and within the country.
“I also want to specially thank all CAPF personnel deployed at the borders and those ensuring security within the country. Staying away from their homes, they remain alert on every occasion, whether it is an election, a festival, a protest or border security. They strengthen the country’s internal security and remain on duty to ensure that the country functions smoothly.”
“Whether it is protecting the country’s democracy or ensuring the smooth conduct of democratic processes, we cannot imagine doing so without the CAPF.”
Praising their role in the West Bengal Assembly elections, HM Shah said, “The elections in Bengal have just concluded. While the country had managed to eliminate electoral violence in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, electoral violence has continued in Bengal for a long time. In every election, 25, 50, 100 or even 200 people have lost their lives.”
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all CAPF personnel for successfully completing the West Bengal Assembly elections without a single death…everyone believes that the country has become free from electoral violence,” he added.
Turning to narcotics, HM Shah announced a united campaign during the remainder of 2026 and through 2027, 2028 and 2029, with the goal of making India free of the drug problem by December 31, 2029.
“This is a very important goal for us, even more important than tackling the three hotspots. The drug problem hollows out our future generations, places an undue burden on our economy and provides financial support to organisations engaged in anti-national activities,” he said.
“Today, I want to call upon police forces across the country to wholeheartedly work towards achieving the goal of a drug-free India, following the roadmap we have prepared and the target set by our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so that we can protect our future generations,” he added.
Recalling the origins of Police Commemoration Day, HM Shah said, “On October 21, 1959, in the remote Hot Springs area of Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel laid down their lives while bravely fighting an attack by Chinese forces. Since then, October 21 has been observed every year as Police Commemoration Day. In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Police Memorial, where we are standing today, dedicated to police personnel from across the country who have been martyred.”
“At the same time, this place has become a site of pilgrimage for citizens across the country. Grateful citizens visit here, pay tribute to 36,852 police personnel with heartfelt respect and express the nation’s gratitude to them,” he added.
“This year, 154 more brave personnel have been added to this list. DIB Mahesh read out their names as a tribute. I wish to bow with folded hands and pay my respects to these martyrs,” Shah said.
The Home Minister also flagged off a motorcycle rally and was briefed about it by CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh. A ceremonial police squad responsible for safeguarding and presenting the Martyrs’ Book also paid tribute during the event.
(With IANS inputs)