New Delhi, April 8: India is rich in tales of bravery and valor. While many stories inspire, some create unforgettable dates in history. One such tale is that of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which etched April 9 into the annals of Indian history forever.
Established in 1939 as the Crown Representative Police, the force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949 through an act of Parliament after India gained independence. Over the years, the CRPF has repeatedly proven its mettle.
Imagine a police company defeating an army brigade. Yet, India has heroes capable of such feats. This was demonstrated by the CRPF soldiers during a fierce battle in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
On this day in 1965, the Pakistani army launched a surprise attack at Sardar Post in Kutch, where only two companies of the CRPF successfully thwarted the assault. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the CRPF personnel displayed extraordinary courage, killing 34 enemy soldiers and capturing four alive.
In response to Pakistan’s aggressive maneuvers, four companies from two battalions were ordered to establish a border post. Under Operation ‘Desert Hawk,’ 3,500 soldiers from Pakistan’s 51st Infantry Brigade stealthily attacked Indian posts on the night of April 8 and 9.
The planners of Operation ‘Desert Hawk’ left no stone unturned, but they underestimated the determination and skill of the small CRPF contingent. Despite Pakistani strategies aimed at distracting with peace talks, our soldiers remained vigilant at Sardar Post.
At that time, Havildar Ranjit Singh was on duty at Sardar Post with a machine gun. Noticing movement 50 to 100 yards away, he challenged the intruders. Gunfire erupted, signaling the Pakistani forces to commence their assault with mortars and artillery.
Consequently, a brigade launched a full-scale attack on the two battalions of the CRPF stationed at Sardar and Tak Posts. The brave soldiers held their ground, conserving ammunition until the enemy approached. The eerie silence led the Pakistanis to believe that all Indian soldiers at Sardar Post were either dead or incapacitated.
Soldier Shivram, stationed at Sardar Post, spotted enemy artillery 600 yards away. Upon realizing the threat, Subedar Balbir Singh ordered mortar fire to destroy the enemy outpost. As the attacking column advanced, it appeared that no one was left alive at the post.
Just as the enemy column got within striking distance, the three machine guns at the post sprang to life, decimating the attackers. Within moments, all enemy soldiers were neutralized. The second wave of attackers faced a similar fate. Although one machine gun jammed, the CRPF soldiers quickly counterattacked, pushing the enemy back.
The enemy forces faltered. For an hour, gunfire echoed from both sides. The enemy made three attempts to seize the post but suffered heavy casualties and retreated. On the eastern flank of Sardar Post, Havildar Bhavna Ram collected grenades from a silenced MMG and continued to throw them at the advancing enemy, significantly demoralizing them.
In this fierce struggle, six brave soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. This day is commemorated as CRPF Valor Day, honoring the gallantry of the CRPF personnel.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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