The Hindu : New Delhi News : Patil praises CRPF on Valour Day

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 10, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Patil praises CRPF on Valour Day

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 9. The Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, today said the Central Reserve Police Force was much in demand across the country because of its flexibility, adaptability, dedication and secular outlook.

Mr. Patil, who was the chief guest at the Valour Day and Investiture Ceremony of the CRPF here, decorated 40 officers and personnel of the force with the President's Police Medal for Gallantry, the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Gallantry on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Patil said the grit and determination shown by the CRPF personnel in repulsing a brigade level attack of the Pakistan Army in Runn of Kutch on April 9, 1965, had no parallel in history. "A proper assessment of the Runn of Kutch battle in which the CRPF emerged victorious has not been done. When someone asks me how many wars have we fought with Pakistan, I always say five. The Runn of Kutch battle is also a part of these five wars. The Valour Day will definitely help in inspiring and motivating the personnel for selfless and dedicated service to the nation," added Mr. Patil, who paid floral tribute to the sacred soil of Sardar Post (Gujarat Indo-Pak border) that was kept in an urn.

Referring to the attack on Parliament, Mr. Patil said that he had himself witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of the CRPF personnel. "I was inside Parliament when I heard gunshots, but had no clue as to what was happening outside. Then I was told by the security officer on duty not to venture outside. Within one hour all the terrorists were killed. Had the terrorists entered Parliament, then the course of our history would have changed."

The Director-General of CRPF, J.K. Sinha, said that in spite of the enemy's numerical and armament superiority, a small contingent of the 2nd Batallion brought pride and laurels to the country.

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