Shivamogga (Karnataka): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Bhadravathi Rapid Action Force Centre in Shivamogga, Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was present at the Bhoomi poojan ceremony on the campus.
In his address, the Home Minister lauded the contribution of RAF in the maintenance of peace and order across the country and remarked that RAF personnel have earned trust and credibility owing to expertise and excellence which became the reason for invitation from United Nations in their peacekeeping missions in 2006, CRPF said in a press release.
Dr AP Maheswari, Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) expressed gratitude to the government for allocating land to CRPF and to the people for giving the force a place in their hearts. The DG said that RAF is a people-friendly, gender-sensitive, and neutral force which is not only demanded by all states across the country but has also made its mark on international forums.
Rapid Action Force is the specialised force of CRPF to deal with riots and situations relating to public order, the press release said.
Raised in 1992, RAF has made a distinct reputation owing to its courage, commitment, and professional efficacy, it said. The peacekeepers of RAF clad in blue camouflage uniforms have become a symbol of effectiveness and 'Serving humanity with sensitive policing,' the motto of RAF, it added.
Owing to the increased demand of RAF, the central government had approved raising of five new RAF battalions in 2018 thus taking its strength to 15 battalions, an official release said.
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Of these five battalions, 97 Battalion RAF has been strategically placed at Shivamogga, located almost in the central part of Karnataka, to deal with riots or riot-like situations primarily in Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Puducherry and Lakshadweep and also attend to the needs of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh if so required, the release said.
Shah launches ERSS in Bengaluru
Later on Saturday, the Home Minister launched 92 Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) vehicles at Vidhanasoudha in Bengaluru. Yeddyurappa and Karnataka's Home Minister Basavaraja Bommai were also present.
With the ERSS in place, the different helplines for police, fire and ambulance services will be eliminated. Simply calling the number '112' will provide emergency services for all these problems. This programme of the central government is practically implemented in the three districts of the state.
On Sunday, Shah will inaugurate the ethanol project of Kedarnath Sugar and Agro Products Ltd followed by the inauguration of KLE Hospital's advanced simulation centre. He will also address a public rally at Belagavi.
(With input from agencies)
