CRPF Valour Day: Unveiling Heroism Behind Lines
<p>Amidst the commemoration of ‘Valour Day’ by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on April 9 in New Delhi, a former Director General of the nation’s largest paramilitary force advocates for more flexibility in transfer and posting of its personnel to enhance the force’s potential. Understanding Valour Day Valour Day, observed annually on April 9, […]</p>
CRPF Valour Day: Unveiling Heroism Behind Lines
Amidst the commemoration of ‘Valour Day’ by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on April 9 in New Delhi, a former Director General of the nation’s largest paramilitary force advocates for more flexibility in transfer and posting of its personnel to enhance the force’s potential.
Understanding Valour Day
Valour Day, observed annually on April 9, honors the exceptional bravery, unmatched courage, remarkable fortitude, and unwavering dedication to duty even in the face of perilous circumstances exhibited by just two companies of CRPF on April 9, 1965, at Sardar Post on Rann of Kuchh, Gujarat. They bravely faced a deceptive brigade attack orchestrated by the Pakistan Army.
In this intense conflict, 34 Pakistani soldiers were neutralized, while four were captured alive. On this tragic day, six valiant members of CRPF made the ultimate sacrifice.
To commemorate Valour Day, CRPF conducts blood donation camps and various other activities. It also hosts the Investiture Ceremony to honor the gallant individuals.
Historical Background of CRPF
Established in 1939 as the Crown Representative’s Police and later transformed into CRPF with the CRPF Act in 1949, the force boasts a rich history spanning over eight decades. Currently, it comprises 246 battalions, including 203 Executive Battalions, five VIP Security Battalions, six Mahila Battalions, 15 RAF Battalions, 10 CoBRA Battalions, five Signal Battalions, and one Parliament Duty Group. Additionally, it includes 43 Group Centres, 22 training institutions, three Central Weapon Stores (CWS), seven Ammunition Workshops (AWS), three mobile workshops, four composite hospitals with 100-bed facilities, 18 composite hospitals with 50-bed capacities, and six field hospitals in its infrastructure.
Role of CRPF
With its widespread presence across the nation, CRPF’s remarkable adaptability to diverse situations, coupled with its collaboration with state police forces, has earned it the reputation of being one of the most widely embraced forces.
In addition to maintaining law and order and conducting counter-insurgency operations, CRPF plays a pivotal role in facilitating Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Its significance is particularly pronounced in conflict-ridden areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Maoist-affected states, and the Northeast.
CRPF has thwarted attacks on the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001, and Ayodhya on July 27, 2005, showcasing its operational prowess.
Bravery of CRPF Personnel
To date, 2255 CRPF soldiers have made the supreme sacrifice. In recognition of their operational valor, the force has been honored with numerous awards, including George Cross, King’s Police medals for gallantry, Asok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, and various Police Medals for Gallantry and Meritorious services.
Insights from Dilip Trivedi, former CRPF Director General
With a sanctioned strength of 324,093 personnel, CRPF faces a considerable number of vacancies, exceeding 29,283 posts among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Speaking to ETV Bharat, the former director general emphasized the need for satisfaction among CRPF personnel, ranging from constables to non-gazetted level officials, regarding postings and transfers. Trivedi proposed a regional approach to postings, emphasizing the importance of communication and intelligence skills.
Trivedi also advocated for the specialization of CRPF battalions based on deployment areas, citing the establishment of specialized forces like CoBRA and RAF. He stressed the significance of enhancing specialized forces to effectively address specific threats and challenges in different regions.
