CRPF was established on July 27, 1939.
The Central Reserve Police Force or CRPF is one of the oldest central armed police forces of India. It started during British rule. Then its name was Crown Representative Police. The date of establishment was 27 July 1939. At that time India was divided into many princely states and British provinces. In many princely states, people were demanding political rights, representative governance and social reforms. There were agitations and protests at many places.
After independence, on 28 December 1949, it got the name of Central Reserve Police Force i.e. CRPF. The role of this special force changed a lot with time. Today CRPF is not just a law and order force. It also works in counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, election security, disaster relief and United Nations peacekeeping missions. Today this force is mainly responsible for the internal security of the country. Come, on the pretext of the foundation day of this force, let us know what missions were carried out by this force formed to suppress the rebellions of the princely states in India?
Formation at the time of unrest in the princely states
There were many princely states in British India. These princely states were ruled by local kings, nawabs or rulers. The British government had different levels of influence on them. Praja Mandal movements started in many princely states in the 1930s. People started demanding civil rights. They were demanding accountable governance. The British administration feared that this political discontent would challenge its control. Therefore, the need was felt for a force which could help in maintaining law and order in the princely states. The Crown Representative Police was created for this purpose.
The British administration feared that this political discontent would challenge its control, which led to the foundation. AI Generated
New role changed after independence
India became independent in the year 1947. After this the country faced many serious challenges. Violence spread due to partition. A large number of people were displaced. Many princely states were to be merged into the Indian Union. In these circumstances the role of security forces became very important. On 28 December 1949, by Act of Parliament, the name of the Crown Representatives Police was changed to the Central Reserve Police Force.
Its purpose changed in independent India. Now its responsibility was to help in maintaining the unity, internal security and public order of the country. CRPF also cooperated in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union. Also worked to maintain security and order in the chaos that arose after partition.
CRPF is the largest central armed police force in the country. Photo: PTI
Chinese soldiers attacked in Hot Spring area
In the early years of independence, CRPF was also deployed in the border areas. Infiltration, cross-border crimes and security threats existed in these areas. The force worked in coordination with the Indian Army and the local administration. In the year 1959, a CRPF patrol party became the victim of an attack by Chinese soldiers in the Hot Springs area of Ladakh. Many CRPF soldiers sacrificed their lives in this incident. Every year 21st October is celebrated as Police Memorial Day. This day is an opportunity to pay tribute to those policemen who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Battle of Sardar Post and Bravery Day
The day of 9 April 1965 holds special significance in the history of CRPF. CRPF troops were deployed at Sardar Post located in Kutch region of Gujarat. Pakistani army attacked there. The soldiers fought bravely despite limited resources. This conflict is known as the Battle of Sardar Post. To commemorate this bravery of the force, April 9 is also remembered as Bravery Day. This incident shows that CRPF has played an important role not only in internal security but also in war-like situations.
Sardar Patel.
Anti-insurgency operation in Punjab
In the 1980s, Punjab was facing a serious problem of extremism. Violence, killings, threats and separatist activities affected normal life. At this time CRPF was deployed along with state police, army and other security agencies. CRPF protected sensitive places. He conducted search operations. Helped in the security of public institutions and transportation systems. The purpose of the force was to control violence and restore normal life. Law enforcement, protection of civilians and intelligence coordination are very important in anti-insurgency operations. CRPF’s role remained in these areas only.
Campaign launched in North-East India
There have been problems like separatism, extremism and ethnic conflict in many states of North-East India. The security situation in Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland and other areas became difficult at times. CRPF assisted the state administration in these states. His job was to stop violent activities, patrol sensitive areas and protect civilian areas. The force also played an important role in anti-insurgency efforts in Tripura in the 1990s. Security operations in these areas are not limited to the use of force alone. Trust of the local people, gathering information and coordination with the administration are also necessary.
CRPF also played an important role in anti-insurgency efforts in Tripura in the 1990s. Photo: PTI
Anti-terrorism role in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir has been facing the challenges of terrorism and cross-border violence for a long time. The role of CRPF is very important in this area. The force remains deployed in sensitive areas. It also helps in the security of convoys, government buildings, religious places and electoral processes. CRPF has countered terrorist attacks many times. CRPF personnel played an important role in the security operations during the terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament on 13 December 2001.
Campaign against leftist extremism
Leftist extremism, also commonly known as Naxalism, has been a major challenge in some parts of India. The impact of this problem was seen in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra and some other areas. CRPF’s special unit Cobra is known for conducting operations in forests and difficult geographical areas. In these operations, security forces locate terrorist hideouts. They recover weapons and explosives. Besides, they also help in protecting roads, schools, development projects and rural population. The aim of such campaigns is not just to stop violent groups. It is equally important to create a safe environment so that development work can proceed.
Crowd management and riot control are also among the major responsibilities of CRPF.
Force plays a big role in the electoral system
India is the world’s largest democracy. Security is a big responsibility during elections. In many states, polling stations are in remote areas. There is also a risk of violence or intimidation in some areas. This force plays a big role in election duty. Protects polling stations. It helps in safe movement of EVMs and election personnel. Additional security is provided at sensitive booths. The main objective of this role is to give the voter the opportunity to cast their vote without fear. Therefore, election security is counted among the most important democratic responsibilities of the CRPF.
deployment of crpf soldiersHas also been in countries like Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo and Liberia. Photo: PTI
Riot Control and Rapid Action Force
Crowd management and riot control are also among the major responsibilities of CRPF. For this, Rapid Action Force i.e. RAF was formed. The RAF is trained for quick action in situations like communal tension, violent mobs and riots. Its purpose is to control the situation. Besides, it is also important to prevent loss of life and property. At such times, restraint, discipline and action as per law is expected.
Also ahead in disaster relief and rescue work
CRPF is not limited to security operations only. It also does relief and rescue work during natural disasters. In situations like floods, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides, soldiers take people to safe places. CRPF took part in relief operations in the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, 2001 Gujarat earthquake, 2004 tsunami and 2005 Jammu and Kashmir earthquake. During disasters, force personnel also help in providing food, medicines and other necessary assistance.
Also ahead in UN peacekeeping mission
The CRPF has also participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad. The force’s personnel have also been deployed in countries like Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo and Liberia. The objective of these missions is to help restore peace and law and order in conflict-stricken countries. The deployment of CRPF’s women contingent in Liberia was particularly noteworthy. This made India’s women police capability recognized at the international level.
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