Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 27 July extended greetings to all personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on the force's Raising Day, commending its record of unwavering courage, commitment to duty, and its pivotal role in eliminating Left Wing Extremism. The tribute came as India's largest Central Armed Police Force marked 88 years since its founding on 27 July 1939.

What PM Modi Said

In a post on X, Modi wrote: 'Greetings to all CRPF personnel on their Raising Day. The CRPF has distinguished itself through its unwavering courage and commitment to duty. From safeguarding internal security to serving citizens during challenging situations, CRPF personnel have always placed the nation first. Their efforts in eliminating the menace of Maoism are particularly notable and have contributed to peace and progress in the lives of several people.'

88 Years of Service and Sacrifice

Originally constituted as the Crown Representative's Police during the British era, the force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force through the CRPF Act of 28 December 1949 following Independence. Guided by its motto 'Service and Loyalty', the CRPF has grown into a cornerstone of India's internal security architecture over eight decades.

The human cost of that service has been significant. Since inception, 2,270 CRPF personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty — a figure that underscores the force's operational exposure across some of the country's most volatile theatres.

Operational Reach and Specialised Units

Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the CRPF's mandate spans riot control, crowd management, anti-insurgency missions, anti-militancy operations, and combating Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in affected regions. The force also includes two notable specialised units: the Rapid Action Force (RAF), trained for riot control and communal disturbance management, and the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), which focuses on counter-insurgency and anti-Maoist operations.

The CRPF is additionally a key pillar of India's electoral security framework, regularly deployed in sensitive and conflict-prone constituencies to uphold democratic processes and maintain public confidence during polling.

Role in Counter-Maoist Operations

Modi's specific mention of anti-Maoist efforts reflects the CRPF's sustained operational role in LWE-affected states, where CoBRA units have been at the forefront of security operations. Notably, successive government data has pointed to a marked decline in Maoist-related violence over the past decade — a trend officials attribute in part to CRPF's ground-level presence and intelligence-led operations.

Looking Ahead

As the CRPF enters its 89th year, the force faces evolving security challenges — from hybrid insurgencies to election-related deployments in an increasingly complex political landscape. The government's continued emphasis on modernisation and specialised training will be closely watched by security analysts and state administrations that depend on CRPF support.