CRPF’s Key Missions in Anti-Terrorism

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) stands as one of India’s most vital paramilitary organizations, playing a pivotal role in maintaining internal security, combating terrorism, and preserving the nation’s stability. Established in 1939, the CRPF has evolved into a formidable force, conducting numerous high-impact operations that have shaped the country’s security landscape. From counter-insurgency missions in conflict zones to anti-Naxalite campaigns in volatile regions, the CRPF has consistently demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and its people.

Operation Vajra Shakti

In the wake of the devastating Akshardham Temple attack in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in 2002, the CRPF sprang into action with Operation Vajra Shakti. Swiftly responding to the crisis, the CRPF personnel neutralized the terrorists and rescued the hostages, showcasing their ability to handle complex urban counterterrorism operations with precision and efficiency. This operation not only thwarted the immediate threat but also sent a strong message about the CRPF’s readiness to defend against such heinous acts of violence.

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Operation Sarp Vinash

The CRPF’s counter-insurgency prowess was further exemplified in Operation Sarp Vinash, conducted in the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir in 2003. Collaborating with the Indian Army, the CRPF successfully dismantled terrorist hideouts and neutralized a significant number of militants, leading to a marked reduction in terrorist activities in the region. This operation underscored the CRPF’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of counter-insurgency operations in the volatile terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.

Operation Green Hunt

As the Naxalite movement gained traction in the central and eastern regions of India, the CRPF played a pivotal role in Operation Green Hunt, a large-scale anti-Naxalite campaign launched in 2009. Deploying thousands of personnel across the affected states, the CRPF faced daunting challenges, including difficult terrain and the Naxalites’ guerrilla warfare tactics. However, through sustained combat operations, the CRPF successfully weakened the Naxal movement and regained control over areas previously under their influence, demonstrating the force’s resilience and adaptability in the face of complex internal security threats.

Operation Steeplechase

The CRPF’s history of combating Naxalism dates back to the early 1970s, when it played a pivotal role in Operation Steeplechase. Conducted jointly with the Indian Army and other security forces, this operation aimed to suppress the Naxalite uprising in West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. The CRPF’s relentless efforts, including raids, arrests, and combing operations, were instrumental in dismantling the Naxalite network and restoring law and order in the affected regions, paving the way for long-term stability.

Operation Octopus

The CRPF’s operational expertise extended beyond counter-insurgency to counter-terrorism as well, as evidenced by Operation Octopus in Punjab during the height of the Khalistan insurgency in the 1980s. Collaborating with other security forces, the CRPF conducted successful raids and combing operations, leading to the arrest of key militant leaders and the recovery of arms and ammunition. This operation was a significant blow to the Khalistan movement, showcasing the CRPF’s ability to tackle complex and evolving security challenges.

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Operation Rakshak

One of the CRPF’s most enduring and challenging assignments has been Operation Rakshak, launched in 1990 to counter the escalating insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. Deploying a large contingent of personnel, the CRPF has been at the forefront of counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and area domination exercises, playing a vital role in neutralizing terrorists, dismantling their networks, and ensuring the safety of civilians. The operation, which continues to this day, underscores the CRPF’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.

Operation Bastariya Warriors

In 2017, the CRPF launched a unique initiative known as Operation Bastariya Warriors, aimed at recruiting local tribal youth from the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh to bolster its anti-Naxalite operations. By training these recruits to conduct operations in the dense forests, the CRPF was able to leverage their intimate knowledge of the terrain, leading to improved intelligence gathering and more effective counter-insurgency efforts. This innovative approach demonstrated the CRPF’s ability to adapt its strategies to the evolving security landscape and engage local communities in the fight against Naxalism.

Operation Red Hunt

The CRPF’s determination to dismantle the Naxalite movement was further exemplified in Operation Red Hunt, conducted in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh in 2019. Focusing on eliminating top Naxalite leaders and disrupting their command structure, the CRPF, in coordination with other security agencies, launched coordinated attacks on Naxalite hideouts, resulting in the elimination of several high-ranking Naxalite commanders. This operation significantly weakened the Naxalite network in the region and highlighted the CRPF’s capability to execute high-risk operations in challenging environments.

Operation All-Out

The CRPF’s commitment to counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir is exemplified by Operation All-Out, an ongoing mission launched in 2017. Involving a collaborative effort with the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, this operation has been instrumental in eliminating militant commanders and significantly reducing the level of insurgency in the region. The CRPF’s role in area domination, intelligence gathering, and search-and-cordon operations has been crucial in the success of this long-term endeavor to restore peace and stability in the volatile region.

Operation Prahar

More recently, in 2021, the CRPF conducted Operation Prahar in the Sukma-Bijapur region of Chhattisgarh, targeting Naxalite strongholds and dismantling their networks. Collaborating with local police, the CRPF carried out intensive combing operations in the dense forests, leading to several encounters with Naxalites. This operation underscored the CRPF’s resolute determination to eliminate Naxalite influence and restore peace in the region, further solidifying its reputation as a formidable force in the fight against internal security threats.

The CRPF’s Unwavering Commitment to National Security

The CRPF’s operational history is a testament to its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and its people. From counter-terrorism missions in urban areas to counter-insurgency campaigns in volatile regions, the CRPF has consistently risen to the occasion, demonstrating its adaptability, resilience, and professionalism. These major operations have not only neutralized immediate threats but also played a crucial role in weakening the influence of insurgent and extremist groups, paving the way for long-term stability and peace.

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Conclusion

The CRPF’s legacy as a vital component of India’s security apparatus is etched in the annals of the nation’s history. Through its bold and decisive operations, the force has proven its mettle time and again, standing as a bulwark against terrorism, insurgency, and other internal security challenges. As the security landscape continues to evolve, the CRPF remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting the country and its citizens, making it an indispensable institution in India’s quest for a safer and more secure future.

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