CRPF

Source: PIB

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context:

• The Prime Minister has extended greetings to all CRPF personnel on their Raising Day and said their unwavering dedication and relentless service to the nation are commendable.

Details:

About Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

It is a Central Armed Police Force in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CRPF's primary role lies in assisting the States and Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and provide Internal security. It is composed of Central Reserve Police Force (Regular) and Central Reserve Police Force (Auxiliary).

READ IN DETAIL- CRPF

Duties performed by the CRPF include:

• Crowd/ Riot control
• Counter Militancy/Insurgency operations
• Dealing with Left Wing Extremism
• Protection of VIPs and vital installations
• Checking environmental degradation and protection of local Flora and Fauna
• Fighting aggression during War time
• Participating in UN Peacekeeping Mission
• Rescue and Relief operations at the time of Natural Calamities

Evolution and Role of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Formation and Early Role:

• The CRPF was originally constituted as the Crown Representative Police in 1939 to manage political unrest and agitations in the Princely States following the Madras Resolution of 1936.
• After Independence, it was renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force by an Act of Parliament on 28 December 1949, and became an armed force of the Union.

Post-Independence Contributions:

• Under the guidance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the CRPF played a central role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
• It disciplined rebellious states such as Junagadh and Kathiawar and maintained law and order in various regions during the early 1950s.

Conflict Engagements:

• The CRPF faced a noteworthy challenge on 21 October 1959 when its personnel were attacked by the Chinese Army at Hot Springs in Ladakh, resulting in casualties and imprisonment.
• It participated in the Sino-Indian War of 1962, Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971, and was deployed to check infiltration and border crimes on the Kutch, Rajasthan, and Sindh borders.

International Peacekeeping:

• The CRPF made history by airlifting thirteen companies to join the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka to combat militant cadres.
• It also participated in UN Peace Keeping missions in countries like Haiti, Namibia, Somalia, and Maldives.

Operations in Northeast India:

• In the late 1970s, the CRPF was deployed to manage extremism in Tripura and Manipur, and address turmoil in the Brahmaputra Valley.
• The force continues to have a significant presence in the Northeast, dealing with ongoing insurgency and maintaining communication lines.

Organizational Structure

• The CRPF operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It is headed by a Director-General (DG), supported by several Additional Director Generals (ADGs), Inspectors General (IGs), and other senior officers.
• The force is divided into 246 battalions.

Key Units:

• Rapid Action Force (RAF): Specialized in riot control and crowd management.
• Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA): Expert in anti-insurgency and guerrilla warfare tactics.
• Special Duty Group (SDG): Functions akin to a special operations unit for high-value targets and critical missions.

Core Functions

The primary mandate of the CRPF includes:

• Maintaining Public Order: Ensuring peace and stability during civil unrest.
• Counter-Insurgency: Neutralizing threats in areas affected by insurgency, notably in the Northeast and Maoist-affected regions.
• Counter-Terrorism: Proactive measures and interventions in terrorism-hit areas, providing security to vital installations and infrastructure.
• Election Security: Ensuring smooth conduct of elections, particularly in sensitive regions.
• VIP Security: Protecting prominent political leaders and visiting dignitaries.

6. Disaster Management: Engaging in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the CRPF has adapted to evolving threats and challenges. According to a Press Information Bureau (PIB) release dated July 27, 2024, the CRPF has achieved several milestones and innovations:

• Operational Efficiency: Enhanced operational capacity through advanced training and acquisition of modern weaponry and technology.
• Welfare Measures: Improved welfare facilities for personnel, focusing on mental health and family welfare programs.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading facilities, living conditions, and creating a supportive work environment.
• Digital Transformation: Implementation of digital tools for better coordination and communication within the force.

Challenges:

Despite its achievements, the CRPF faces several challenges:

• Resource Allocation: Ensuring adequate resources and timely provisioning of equipment.
• Training: Continuous upgradation of training methods to counter new-age threats.
• Morale and Welfare: Maintaining high morale through well-structured welfare programs.

Looking ahead, the CRPF aims to further enhance its capabilities through modern training, better technology, and a focus on personnel welfare. Continuous evolution and adaptation are critical for the force to remain a formidable entity in ensuring India's internal security.

Conclusion

• The CRPF's enduring legacy is a testament to its unwavering commitment to India's security and sovereignty. Its role in maintaining public order, counter-insurgency operations, and disaster management emphasizes its versatility and indispensability.
• As it marches ahead, the CRPF remains a symbol of valor, service, and dedication, playing a crucial role in shaping a secure and resilient nation.

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Source:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2037846

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Discuss the evolution and multifaceted role of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in maintaining internal security and public order in India. Highlight the key challenges faced by the CRPF and the recent measures undertaken to enhance its operational efficiency and welfare of its personnel.