CRPF chief celebrates holi with CoBRA security personnel in Bastar

RAIPUR: In a morale-boosting outreach ahead of the March 31 anti-Maoist deadline, CRPF director general G P Singh visited Bastar on Tuesday and celebrated Holi with CoBRA commandos at the Karanpur campus in Jagdalpur, alongside Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam.The visit, described by officials as both symbolic and strategic, was aimed at meeting troops deployed in the insurgency-hit region, acknowledging their efforts and reinforcing vigilance as operations intensify in the run-up to the Centre’s timeline to eliminate Left-wing extremism.For years, Holi in Bastar’s forward camps was either muted or skipped altogether, often overshadowed by ambushes and casualties during peak operational periods.

Senior officers said the top brass making time to celebrate with troops on the ground was meant to signal institutional backing and boost morale in a theatre that has witnessed some of the fiercest encounters.Addressing personnel, the CRPF DG conveyed appreciation from the leadership and urged troops to remain cautious and alert in the coming weeks. With security forces tightening operations across remaining Maoist pockets, he stressed the need for heightened vigilance to avoid complacency.

Later, Singh shared a message on social media platform X, writing: “Celebrating the spirit of camaraderie! We joined the #KGH (Karegutta Hills) victors at the CoBRA campus in Karanpur (Bastar), Chhattisgarh, to celebrate #Holi. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with troops on the ground, this familial touch provides immense motivation that will be remembered for years.”Officials said such visits from senior leadership reinforce confidence among field units, particularly in Bastar division, where coordinated operations by central forces and state police have intensified in recent months.