Marching Ahead

Subhashis Mittra

The contribution of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is inseparably linked to the country's security. Whether it is fighting terrorists in Kashmir, maintaining peace in the Northeast, or limiting the activities of ruthless Naxals to only four districts in the country, the daring CRPF personnel have made a significant contribution in all these areas. Union home minister Amit Shah heaped praised on the CRPF at the CRPF Day Parade at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh. The foundation day of all central security forces are celebrated in different parts of the country.

In his address, Shah recalled the supreme sacrifice made by 2,264 CRPF personnel for the security of the country and paid glowing tributes to them on behalf of the nation. He said that India is moving towards becoming a world leader in every field by 2047 and the sacrifices of martyred CRPF personnel have significantly contributed in achieving this goal.

“The immortal saga of bravery of the CRPF martyrs will be inscribed in golden letters in the golden book of 100 years of independence,” he said, noting that the CRPF personnel have always made supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. That is why the presence of CRPF personnel at places of unrest builds the confidence that they will certainly emerge victorious.

The CRPF was formed in 1939 under the name of Crown Representative Police. India’s first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel gave the force its current new form and flag. He also worked to clearly identify its charter.

The CRPF has completed a long and glorious journey on the path shown by Sardar Patel. Today, around three lakh CRPF jawans are deployed for maintenance of peace and security of the country. It has 248 battalions, four zonal headquarters, 21 sector headquarters, two operational sector headquarters, 1