Introduction About CRPF ( Central Reserve Police Force )
A federal police force called the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is in charge of upholding law and order throughout India. With more than 3,50,000 personnel, it is regarded as one of the largest paramilitary forces in the world and is the largest one in India. Since its formation, the CRPF has played a crucial role in the security system of India. It has a long history. We shall look at some fascinating information about the CRPF.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India is in charge of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), a federal police force in India. Among the Central Armed Police Forces, it is one. The major responsibility of the CRPF is to support state and union territory police forces in their efforts to uphold the rule of law and fight insurgency.
Here are some interesting facts about Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that everyone should know –
- Roots of CRPF – On July 27, 1939, two battalions of the CRP (Crown Representative’s Police) were transferred to Nimach, Madhya Pradesh, which is the headquarters for the North Indian Mounted Artillery and Cavalry. At the time, its main responsibility was to safeguard the British citizens living in India’s sensitive states.
- Formation of CRPF – By the CRPF Act, the CRP was given a new name, Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) in 1949. Many state reserve police units were combined with the CRPF in the 1960s. The CRPF has been engaged in combating both domestic and international invasions.
- The Hot Springs incident – At Hot Springs in Ladakh on October 21, 1959, SI Karam Singh and 20 soldiers were ambushed by the Chinese Army, which resulted in 10 deaths. The survivors were held captive. Since that time, all Indian states mark October 21 as Police Commemoration Day.
- Valour of CRPF in Desert Hawk – On the night between April 8 and 9, 1965, 3500 members of Pakistan’s 51st Infantry Brigade—comprising the 18 Punjab Battalion, the 8 Border Rifles, and the 6 Baluch Battalion—launched the covert operation “Desert Hawk” against border positions in the Rann of Kutch. The bravery of Head Constable Bhawana Ram, who was stationed on the eastern edge of Sardar Post, was largely responsible for the intruders’ demoralization and eventual evacuation from the post.
- International Significance – Outside the boundaries of the country, the CRPF’s services and functions have expanded. The services provided by the CRPF in Bosnia, as part of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Namibia, Somalia, Haiti, and the Maldives, as well as in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), speak volumes about the Force’s capacity to adapt to any conflict-related circumstance wherever in the world. As part of the UN Mission in Kosovo, 240 members of the Rapid Action Force (RAF), a specialized wing of 15 battalions of the CRPF are currently stationed there to provide security and protection for UN troops, the UN civil police, crowd control, and other UN personnel.
- CoBRA, the Special Operation Unit – The CRPF’s special operations unit, Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), was established in 2008 to combat the Naxalite movement in India. One of the few sections of the Central Armed Police Forces in the nation with specialised guerilla warfare training is this CRPF unit. This highly skilled fighting squad has been taught how to locate, hunt down, and destroy small Naxalite units. Currently, there are 10 COBRA units.
CoBRA has been awarded with four Shaurya Chakras, one Kirti Chakra, one President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG), 117 Police Medals for Gallantry(PMG), and 1267 Director General Commendations.
- Women Empowerment in CRPF – Six Mahila (Female) Battalions are present the CRPF, which makes it the only military force in India to have Women only Battalions. Currently, there are female personnel on active duty in Jammu & Kashmir, Ayodhya, Manipur, Assam, and other regions of the nation, where they are doing admirably. Also, there are 96 female operators in each Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalion.
- Raising Day – For the first time, the 83rd CRPF Raising Day was held outside the nation’s capital in Jammu. The CRPF Raising Day is celebrated on March 19 in remembrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, who presented colors to the CRPF after the CRPF Act was passed by the Parliament in 1950.
- Suicide Attack in Parliament – After a suicide attack by Pakistani extremists on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, the gallant Jawans of the Force were put to the test. The ensuing, almost 30-minute-long fire duel resulted in the death of all five extremists. On the other hand, a female constable who died in the gunfight and was posthumously given the Ashok Chakra on January 26, 2002 for exhibiting extraordinary bravery and presence of mind in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In India, a crucial organization is the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). In addition to protecting VIPs and important infrastructure, the force is essential to upholding the law and quelling insurgencies. Involved in numerous important events in India, the CRPF has a long history. The police department provides its staff with enticing salaries, perks, and possibilities for training and professional growth. Our respect and appreciation are due to the CRPF since it is a representation of discipline, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
Look forward to our upcoming articles if you want to know more about the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its recruitment process.