CRPF’s Heartfelt Tribute: Stunning Memorial Honors Fallen Heroes in Bastar!
CRPF unveils memorial in Bastar honoring 460 personnel killed in anti-Naxal operations.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has established a poignant memorial, the ‘Shaheed Smarak,’ in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh, to honor 460 jawans and officers who lost their lives in anti-Naxal operations in the Bastar region over the past two decades. Inaugurated on Independence Day by Bhavesh Chaudhary, Commanding Officer of the CRPF’s 188th battalion, the memorial stands as a tribute to the sacrifices made in one of India’s most intense conflict zones.
The Bastar region, encompassing seven districts—Bastar, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Sukma, Bijapur, and Dantewada—has been the epicenter of violent encounters between security forces and Maoists for over 20 years. As the lead force in these operations, the CRPF has faced significant losses, with 460 personnel, including 20 officers, killed between 2003 and August 15, 2025. A senior CRPF officer emphasized the memorial’s significance, noting the Union government’s goal to eradicate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026, with Bastar remaining the last stronghold of this conflict.
Located outside the 188th battalion’s camp on NH-30 in Kondagaon, the ‘Shaheed Smarak’ is a unique tribute dedicated exclusively to CRPF personnel fallen in Bastar, distinguishing it from other memorials within the 3.25 lakh-strong force. Commanding Officer Chaudhary stated, “This memorial will inspire future generations and highlight the bravery and sacrifice of CRPF personnel who fought Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.”
The ‘Shaheed Smarak’ serves as a solemn reminder of the CRPF’s unwavering commitment to national security and a lasting homage to the heroes who gave their lives in the fight against insurgency.
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