The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is set to make history as it hosts its prestigious 87th Raising Day Parade in Guwahati, Assam, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. For the first time ever, this significant national event will take place in the Northeast region, symbolizing the force’s deep-rooted connection with the area and its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and national security.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah will grace the occasion as the chief guest, reviewing the grand parade and addressing the personnel. This high-profile visit underscores the central government’s focus on strengthening internal security, modernizing paramilitary forces, and accelerating development in border areas. Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma is also expected to attend, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the Centre and the state in maintaining law and order while promoting regional progress.

Historic Significance of the CRPF Parade in Guwahati

The CRPF Raising Day Parade commemorates the establishment of the Central Reserve Police Force on February 19, 1939, originally as the Crown Representative’s Police. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of India’s largest paramilitary forces, with over 3 lakh personnel deployed across the country for internal security duties, counter-insurgency operations, election duties, and disaster response.

This year’s parade at Sarusajai Stadium (also referred to as Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium or Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex in various reports) marks a milestone. As announced by CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, the event will feature impressive displays of the force’s capabilities. Around 1,400 personnel, including marching contingents, bands, and buglers from eight sectors, will participate.

Key highlights include:

Marching contingents showcasing discipline and precision.
Operational demonstrations by elite special units, particularly the COBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), known for its expertise in anti-Naxal and jungle warfare operations.
An exhibition of advanced equipment, including special vehicles, modern arms, communication tools, and other operational gear used in real-time missions.

These displays aim to highlight the CRPF’s modernization drive, operational readiness, and contributions to national security, especially in challenging terrains like those in the Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, and Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas.

CRPF Special Director General (North East Zone) Raja Srivastava emphasized that hosting the parade in the Northeast for the first time reflects the force’s strong ties to the region and its role in fostering peace amid diverse geographical and security challenges.

A Director General’s Parade was also held on February 19, 2026, with DG G.P. Singh as the chief guest, setting the tone for the main event.

Amit Shah’s Assam Visit: A Two-Day Power-Packed Itinerary

Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Assam, originally planned with an arrival on Thursday night, was rescheduled slightly but remains focused on security and development themes. He arrived in Silchar (Cachar district) this morning (February 20, 2026) and will formally inaugurate the second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II) at Nathanpur village.

Following the launch, he will travel to Guwahati to participate in the CRPF Raising Day Parade on February 21.

This tour aligns with the Centre’s broader strategy ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections (likely in March-April 2026), emphasizing border security, infrastructure, and inclusive growth.

Launch of Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II (VVP-II): Transforming Border Areas

The Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II (VVP-II) represents a major escalation in the government’s efforts to develop remote border villages, turning them into prosperous, secure, and self-sustaining hubs. Launched formally by Amit Shah at Nathanpur village in Cachar district—close to the India-Bangladesh border—the initiative expands beyond the initial focus on China-border areas.

Key features of VVP-II:

Coverage: 1,954 identified strategic villages along international land borders in 15 states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal) and two Union Territories.
Financial Outlay: ₹6,839 crore as a Central Sector Scheme, to be implemented until 2028-29.
Objectives: Improve essential infrastructure (roads, electricity, water, telecom), enhance livelihood opportunities, promote tourism and education, reduce outmigration, and integrate border populations as “eyes and ears” for security forces.
Broader Vision: Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 by creating vibrant, crime-free border communities, curbing trans-border threats, and ensuring holistic development.

Phase-I of VVP, started in 2023, targeted China-border villages and showed positive outcomes like reverse migration in some Arunachal districts. Phase-II broadens the scope to include borders with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, addressing multifaceted challenges.

The launch at Nathanpur symbolizes the program’s rollout in Assam’s Barak Valley, where border villages often face infrastructure deficits and security vulnerabilities.

CRPF’s Role in Northeast and National Security

The CRPF has been a cornerstone of internal security in the Northeast for decades, assisting state police in counter-insurgency, maintaining law and order during ethnic tensions, and supporting anti-militancy operations. Hosting the national parade here reinforces the region’s importance in India’s security architecture.

The parade’s demonstrations, including COBRA operations, will spotlight tactics used against insurgent groups and Naxalites, showcasing specialized training, weaponry, and coordination with other forces.

Political and Strategic Context

Amit Shah’s visit comes at a crucial time, bolstering the BJP-led government’s narrative on development and security in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly highlighted synergies between central schemes and state initiatives for border management and economic upliftment.

The event also sends a strong message on national unity, with the CRPF parade and VVP-II launch combining ceremonial pride with tangible development.

What to Expect from the Events

February 20: Inauguration of VVP-II at Nathanpur, focusing on speeches about border prosperity and security.
February 21: Grand parade at Sarusajai Stadium, with Amit Shah reviewing contingents, addressing jawans, and witnessing equipment displays.

These events are expected to draw significant media attention, public participation, and boost morale among security personnel and local communities.

In summary, Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Assam visit encapsulates the dual focus on robust security through the CRPF Raising Day Parade and sustainable development via Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II. As the Northeast hosts such landmark national programs for the first time, it marks a new chapter in integrating the region with India’s growth story.