CRPF: Still in the fight

CRPF: Still in the fight

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is one of India’s main Central Armed Police Forces (under the Ministry of Home Affairs). Its primary goal was to allow the government to successfully and efficiently keep the Rule of Law, Public Order, and Internal Security, as well as to preserve national integrity and promote social harmony and development by upholding the Constitution’s supremacy.

Context

On 14 February, the anniversary of the Pulwama assault went away. The heinous tragedy occurred when a vehicle-borne suicide attacker struck the convey transporting  40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama.

The CRPF is present in all regions where the army has been withdrawn.

Major challenges

Some of the major challenges faced by the CRPF were :

  • Insurgencies in North East
  • Maoists and Naxals
  • Securing Jammu and Kashmir

To meet these obstacles, the CRPF must be better armed and trained, but unfortunately, this is not the case.

Some of the major obstacles faced by the CRPF are :

  • lack of tactical superiority
  • administrative issues
  • lack of adequate finance
  • overstretched work schedules
  • inadequate facilities and support to personnel and their families

Way Forward

  • The deployment strategies must be revised. More than a political agenda, most choices must be made to lighten the burden of these men and women.
  • They must be given better training and modern weaponry. This will help them save their lives in the field.
  • The financial budgets must be revamped to include better living conditions for these men and women
  • Better synergy with the Army can help in saving lives by sharing tactical knowledge and weapons.This will give them the edge in the field