The CRPF, in memory of India-Pakistan war during which the CRPF Battalion had given a befitting defeat to the Pakistan at Rann of Kucch at the International Border near Gujarat, on Monday observed ‘Shaurya Diwas’ and felicitated the family members of martyred soldiers and officials during the operations conducted by it at different locations.
The CRPF celebrates 9 April as Shaurya Diwas to commemorate the defence of the Sardar post in the Rann of Kutch at the onset of the Indo-Pak War in 1965. 34 Pak troopers were killed and 4 were caught while 8 CRPF men lost their lives in the battle.
Addressing the gathering at the camp of 133 Battalion of CRPF in Dhurwa, IG (CRPF) Sanjay Anand Latkar who was also the Chief Guest, said that the CRPF during the short period of 10 years in Jharkhand Sector has gunned down 155 Maoists and have also arrested several others.
“A total of 11 jawans of CRPF have sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties in Jharkhand so far and have received 5 Shaurya Chakra, 155 PMG/PPMG, 97 Parakram Medals and 1097 letter of commendations from DGP (CRPF) for its outstanding performance while discharging their duties, ” said Latkar. In addition to that several welfare programmes are also being conducted in the Left Wing Extremism affected areas in the State by the CRPF, he added.
Latkar said that CRPF has been taking on Maoists on day to day basis in the State and if any remarkable decrease in Naxal incidents has been recorded during the last few years, CRPF has played an important role in it.
“We have achieved a remarkable success against Naxals during the last 10 years and if we continue to proceed further with the same strategy, Maoists will be eliminated very soon from the State,” said Latkar.
Latkar also felicitated the CRPF personnel who have already received Gallantry Awards and also awarded Gallantry Medals to other 5 CRPF personnel and Complementary Discs of DG (CRPF) and commendation letters to 21 personnel and officers for their excellent performance during the last one year. 8 officials and personnel were also awarded commendation letter from the IG (CRPF).
The then SP of Lohardaga Kartik S who is currently posted in Bokaro was also felicitated for his excellent performance during anti-Maoist Operation.
Later, an exhibition was also orgnised to showcase the arms and ammunitions used by the Force and school children were explained about their use in different situations and locations. Dog show and demonstration of use of SUV ‘Netra’ was the centre of attraction of the programme.
As many as 150 units of blood were also collected from the CRPF personnel during a blood donation camp organised on the day.