As the internal security began to gradually shape up in post independence era of our country, the pressing concern remained from external threats. A bitter partition, leading to creation of Pakistan and ensuing bloodbath ensured our preoccupancy in times to come.
In these testing times, an unprecedented event unfolded which was testimony of the bravery of entire police fraternity, leaving an immemorial imprint for generations to imbibe.
As the winter was just about to commence in rest of the country in October of 1959, it was already freezing cold in Hot Spring of Ladakh region. Throwing caution to the wind on 21st October that year, mighty Chinese Army, equipped with sophisticated weaponry of the time and without any provocation or warning, ambushed a small CRPF patrol party. Our troops were heavily outnumbered, both in terms of men and machine. Undeterred by the adverse circumstances, CRPF men rose to the occasion and launched an audacious counter offensive.
As the battle smog settled down, 10 of our bravehearts had laid down their lives and 7 others sustained serious injuries. This was not an ordinary skirmish on the border. Just a handful of CRPF jawans had thwarted dangerous designs of the regular Chinese Army, eyeing to penetrate much beyond. Against every possible odd, CRPF men stood ground and ensured no further advance by Chinese soldiers. If brakes would have not been applied on the incursion, it had the potential to escalate into full fledged war.
The courage and mettle displayed by these men became a source of pride and motivation, not only for CRPF but for entire police fraternity. Paying homage to their valor and gallant spirit since then, all Police organizations celebrate 21st October every year as ‘Police Commemoration Day’.
CRPF has since then victoriously graduated to become the mainstay of internal security and has been involved in neutralizing numerous hostile insurgencies, which have threatened to rupture the very basic of the constitution and derail our democracy. Though it has been omnipresent through the length and breadth of India, stepping up the ante whenever required, it has a notable association with Jharkhand.
The State has a special reason to boast of in the acclaimed achievements of the Force. 55 CRPF personnel hailing from Jharkhand have sacrificed their lives while battling various adversaries across the Country whereas 115 CRPF men have attained martyrdom in Jharkhand during Anti-Naxal Operations since creation of the State in 2000.
A policeman in uniform lives for honor of the nation and dreams of an eternal grandeur during the moment of reckoning before sleeping peacefully in lap of the motherland.
He lives and dies for this passion and there is no greater glory than to disintegrate while adorning the very uniform. The soil of Jharkhand has just been the ideal catalyst in evoking patriotism and bringing laurels for Khaki. This year also happen to witness the brave martyrdom of couple of CRPF men in line of duty.
On 15th of April this year when electoral process for Lok Sabha elections was underway in Jharkhand, Naxals dared to launch a misadventurous attack for creating sensation in Giridih district. Constable Biswajit Chowhan of 7 Battalion of CRPF fought bravely in repelling the attack but unfortunately lost his life during the exchange of fire.
A little more than a month later on 28th of May when Lok Sabha elections had just concluded, a massive encounter broke out between CoBRA troops and Naxals in Saraikela Kharsawan district. Naxals were forced to abandon the well built hideout and they simply ran for their lives. Amidst this, however, Constable Sunil Kalita of the elite 209 CoBRA battalion of CRPF sustained grievious injuries. He later succumbed at AIIMS in Delhi on 13th June and attained martyrdom.
Jharkhand Police also has a rich legacy of making supreme sacrifice while keeping Naxals at bay. The prominent ones among them are couple of district SPs. Senior Officers in IPS like Ajay Kumar Singh, while being SP, Lohardaga attained martyrdom on 4th October, 2000 and Amarjeet Balihar while holding the charge of SP, Pakur laid down his life at the altar of duty on 2nd July 2013.
Patriotism cannot be injected in veins. One is either born with it or otherwise and Khaki has been synonyms with Patriotism. We owe peace and harmony to these policemen who over the years have stood to protect the national honor and integrity.
Salute to these Heroes who sacrificed themselves for our present and future.
India is proud of you all. Jai Hind.
(The writer is Inspector General, Central Reserve Police Force, Jharkhand Sector)
