The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Valour Day also known as Shaurya Diwas is annually observed across India on 9 April to commemorate the extraordinary valour displayed by the CRPF soldiers during the Battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, in 1965.
- The Day aims to honour the CRPF personnel and pay tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives in the line of duty.
9th April 2024 marks the observance of the 59th CRPF Valour Day.
Note: CRPF stands as India’s largest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
History of Valour Day:
i.On April 9, 1965, Operation Desert Hawk was launched by the Pakistani Army, targeting Sardar Post, with a full-fledged infantry brigade.
ii.In response, a small contingent of 2nd Battalion CRPF successfully fought and repulsed the attack by the Pakistani brigade on Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
- 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and 4 were captured alive during the fierce defence.
- During the conflict, 6 CRPF men attained martyrdom.
iii.As a tribute to the valour of the brave men of the CRPF, 9th April is annually observed as “CRPF Valour Day” .
Note: The battle of Sardar Post stands as a unique example in military history, where a small contingent of policemen fought back a full-fledged infantry brigade.
History of CRPF:
i.The CRPF, one of the oldest central paramilitary forces was established on 27th July 1939 as the Crown Representative Police.
ii.After Independence, this force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force through an Act of Parliament on 28th December 1949.
- This legislative action also established the CRPF as an armed entity under the jurisdiction of the union.
iii.It is the premier central police force for the Union of India for internal security.
Note: With about 2259 supreme sacrifices and 2620 Medals, CRPF remains dedicated to serving the nation with loyalty and inspiration from past heroic deeds.
2024 Events:
i.The principal event for CRPF Valour Day was observed on 9 April 2024 at the Sardar Post situated right on the international border in the Great Rann of Kutch.
- The Inspector General of CRPF Western Command Shashikant Upadhyay and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ram Singh paid tributes to the martyred soldiers at Sardar Post in the Great Rann of Kutch.
- Officers of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) also paid their respects to the brave souls.
ii.In a solemn ceremony at the National Police Memorial in Chanakya Puri, New Delhi (Delhi), Anish Dayal Singh, Director General (DG) of CRPF, paid tribute to the fallen heroes.
- He later attended a ceremony at the Shaurya CRPF Officers Institute in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, as the Chief Guest.
iii.He graced the ceremony organised to honour 48 Gallantry Medal recipients who were honoured for their exemplary bravery and 8 other Officers and personnel who were awarded the Asadharan Asuchana Medal for their commendable service.
Note: Kishan Singh, the lone surviving veteran of the Sardar Post Battle, was felicitated by the DG Anish Dayal Singh.
About Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF):
Director General– Anish Dayal Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
