Raipur, Aug 18 (NationPress) In a solemn and historic recognition, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has unveiled a memorial honoring its brave jawans and officers who sacrificed their lives during anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region over the last two decades.

The ‘Shaheed Smarak’, built by the CRPF’s 188th battalion, was inaugurated on August 15, coinciding with Independence Day, serving as a heartfelt tribute to 460 personnel, including 20 officers, who made the ultimate sacrifice from 2003 to 2025.

This unveiling occurs against the backdrop of enhanced security measures in Bastar, with the recent addition of four new CRPF battalions aimed at strengthening anti-insurgency initiatives, resulting in a total security force of over 60,000 personnel.

As the government aims for a resolution by 2026, the memorial symbolizes both remembrance and a call to action—reminding the nation of the sacrifices made and the determination required to complete the mission.

Positioned along National Highway 30, just outside the battalion’s camp in Kondagaon, the memorial stands as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and resilience in one of India’s most troubled conflict zones.

Commanding Officer Bhavesh Chaudhary, who oversaw the inauguration, referred to the monument as a source of inspiration for future generations and a crucial reminder of the CRPF’s continuous battle against Left Wing Extremism.

“The Shaheed Smarak will immortalize the bravery of our personnel and enlighten the nation about the cost of peace in Bastar,” Chaudhary stated.

The Bastar region, which consists of seven districts—Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma—has been the heart of Maoist insurgency.

Its dense forests and challenging landscape have been the sites of some of the most intense confrontations between security forces and armed insurgents.

Over the years, CRPF personnel have encountered ambushes, landmine explosions, and prolonged battles, frequently under harsh conditions.

A senior CRPF officer highlighted that the memorial’s inauguration aligns with the Union government’s declared objective of eradicating Left Wing Extremism by March 2026.

“This monument is not merely a tribute—it’s a strategic reminder of the sacrifices made to secure this region. The CRPF has led these operations, and this memorial attests to their unparalleled commitment,” the officer remarked.

While the CRPF has established numerous memorials across India, the Kondagaon Shaheed Smarak is distinctive in its dedicated focus on personnel who were martyred in Bastar.

This reflects the severity of the conflict and the human toll endured by India’s paramilitary forces in their efforts to restore peace and governance in the area.

For the families of the fallen, the Shaheed Smarak provides a place for remembrance. For the nation, it represents a solemn vow: that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.