'Naxal-Mukt Bharat' theme to dominate National Unity Day parade; CoBRA, CRPF, Chhattisgarh Police contingents to showcase anti-Naxal achievements
CoBRA, CRPF, and Chhattisgarh Police to showcase anti-Naxal achievements at the National Unity Day celebrations in the presence of PM Modi.
The vision of a Naxal-Mukt Bharat (Naxal-free India) is set to be the centerpiece of this year's Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations. On October 31, the achievements of India's security forces in dismantling the menace of armed Naxalism will be showcased in a grand parade in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Elite Forces to March for National Unity
The evening parade will feature a powerful display of strength and strategy, with contingents from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Chhattisgarh Police, and the CRPF's elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). To provide a deeper understanding of the struggle, multiple LED screens will play short films as each contingent passes the Prime Minister, detailing their specific successes in anti-Naxal operations and the broader fight against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE).
The Role of CoBRA and CRPF
The CRPF's elite CoBRA unit will be represented by approximately 144 personnel, led by an Assistant Commandant and two subordinate officers. Assistant Commandant Ashutosh Trigunayak emphasized the unit's pivotal role in operating within high-risk zones, specifically mentioning the perilous terrains of the Saranda and Abujhmad forests, where the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) remains a constant danger.
In a significant move to highlight gender inclusivity in national security, the CRPF contingent will include women personnel this year. Assistant Commandant Pratishtha Rai noted that officers like Sub-Inspector Chhaya will be part of the march, symbolizing that women have contributed equally to the nation's safety.
Chhattisgarh Police's Massive Presence
Chhattisgarh Police will bring a formidable presence to the event with three distinct contingents totaling around 650 personnel. These include:
- Male District Reserve Guard (DRG)
- Female District Reserve Guard (DRG), which alone consists of 144 personnel
- Special Task Force (STF)
According to SSP Kuldeep Banjare, the parade will also feature a motorcycle team and a dog squad. He highlighted the DRG's critical contributions to major operations such as Operation Black Forest, Thulthuli, Abujhmad, and Hapatora, working in tandem with the STF and central forces.
Art and Human Experience: Beyond the Parade
The celebrations will go beyond military displays to touch upon the human cost of conflict. The National School of Drama (NSD) is organizing performances featuring nearly 2,000 artists. These artists hail from 126 districts that have historically been affected by armed Naxalism. Their performances aim to portray the harrowing struggles of civilians who faced threats to their lives and property during the height of the violence.
Furthermore, 5,000 residents from these 126 districts have been invited to Ekta Nagar. These guests will not only witness the festivities but will also interact and share their first-hand experiences of surviving the era of armed Naxalism.
Grand Scale Celebrations at Ekta Nagar
The event, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his legendary role in India's political integration, is expected to host around 25,000 people. Key attractions of the day include:
- Tableaux: A total of 15 tableaux, with five focusing on national themes and 10 showcasing the heritage of Gujarat.
- Motorcycle Rally: A massive rally involving participants from all 36 states and Union Territories, as well as CAPFs, carrying a strong message for a drug-free India.
National Unity Day has been observed since 2014, serving as a reminder of the unity and strength required to build and maintain the Indian nation.