Doubts are often raised on the ability of CAPF whenever it suffers a setback. It is also suggested that ex-servicemen from the Army should be inducted into the CAPF. The article argues against such suggestions.
Experience of CAPF
- The allegations that CAPF personnel are not well-trained falls flat when we look into the history of these paramilitary forces.
- Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were in the battlefront in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and won medals.
- As part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, CRPF personnel fought the militants there.
- In 1965, at Sardar Post in the Raan of Kutch, a small contingent of CRPF repulsed a Brigade strength attack of the Pakistan Army.
- In Punjab, it was the CRPF alongside the Punjab Police that brought the situation under control.
- Credit for peace and tranquillity in the north-eastern States goes in large measure to the CAPF personnel.
Will appointing Army officials as advisers help?
- The Army has never fought against the Maoists.
- It is absurd to appoint Army officials as advisers for anti-Maoist operations in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- What sort of advice can they be expected to render to the experts of the CAPFs in the field who have spent a major part of their lives combating insurgents and extremists?
Versatile force
- The Greyhounds, a specialised commando outfit of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, was able to inflict heavy casualties on Maoists forcing them to migrate to neighbouring States.
- The elite Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) has played a stellar role in killing some top Maoist leaders and continue to be dreaded by the Maoists.
- The CAPFs have well-established training centres across the country with instructors of high calibre.
Conclusion
The fact that they are able to tackle terrorism in Kashmir, fight the Maoists in left wing extremism-affected States, combat insurgency in the Northeast, ensure smooth conduct of elections and control riots across the country speaks volumes about their versatility .
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
