Gear up to fight invisible enemy COVID-19: CRPF DG on Valour day

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is celebrating it's 55th Valour Day to commemorate the defence of the Sardar post in the Rann of Kutch at the onset of the Indo-Pak War of 1965. On April 9, 1965, at about 3:30 am, nearly 35,000 men from the 51st infantry of Pakistan Army invaded India at Sardar Post in Runn of Kutch, which were manned by around 150 soldiers of CRPF's 2nd Battalion. CRPF personnel resisted fiercely and repulsed the attack, in which 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four were captured.

New Delhi:The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been playing a major role in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Today the organisation is celebrating it's 55th Valour Day to commemorate the defence of the Sardar post in the Rann of Kutch at the onset of the Indo-Pak War of 1965.

On the occasion, AP Maheshwari, Director General, CRPF said, "We are proud of our martyrs as we eulogise their exemplary valour. They have shown us that battles are won not by numbers but by determination persistence and valour. With same zeal now CRPF serving the nation."

In a communication to his troops on the occasion of the Valour Day of CRPF, AP Maheshwari said, "Today, the entire nation is facing a tough time due to COVID-19. I am happy that being tough yourself, you all have geared up to help people fight the invisible and invasive enemy."

President Ram Nath Kovind said the CRPF personnel who were killed on this day, wrote a golden history with their extraordinary bravery, patriotism and sacrifice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the courage of CRPF personnel, "The courage of CRPF is widely known. On CRPF Valour Day today, I salute this brave force and remember the bravery of our CRPF personnel in Gujarat's Sardar Patel Post in 1965. The sacrifices of the brave martyrs will never be forgotten.", he tweeted.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to Twitter and said, "Symbols of indomitable courage, valour and sacrifice, congratulations to all on CRPF 'Shaurya Divas' and salute to our brave martyrs."

On April 9, 1965, at about 3:30 am, nearly 35,000 men from the 51st infantry of Pakistan Army invaded India at Sardar Post in Runn of Kutch, which were manned by around 150 soldiers of CRPF's 2nd Battalion. CRPF personnel resisted fiercely and repulsed the attack, in which 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four were captured. The CRPF lost six of its own. The Pakistani brigade was held at bay for almost 14 hours, which is a unique feat in military history. Ever since April 9 is observed by the CRPF as the Valour Day.

With around 3.25 lakh personnel, the CRPF is one of the largest paramilitary forces deployed for internal security in the Maoist-affected areas, Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast and other parts of the country.