CRPF commemorates Valour Day

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 9

To commemorate the actions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in checking the advance of Pakistani forces in the Rann of Kutch in 1965, Valour Day was observed at CRPF’s North Western Sector Headquarters here today.

On the occasion, Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Inspector General, North Western Sector, paid homage to the martyrs of the force. This was followed by a sainik sammelan in which officers, subordinate officers and jawans of the North Western Sector HQ and Hallo Majra-based units took part. Serving and retired gallantry medal awardees and their next of kin were felicitated on the occasion.

On this day in April 1965, at about 3.30 am, a Pakistani infantry brigade attacked the Indian border posts, Sardar and Tak in Runn of Kutch, which were manned by CRPF’s 2nd Battalion. CRPF personnel resisted fiercely and repulsed the attack, in which 34 Pakistani soldiers were killed and four were captured. The CRPF lost six of its own. The Pakistani brigade was held at bay for 14 hours, which is a unique feat in military history.

In the evening, a volleyball match was also organised between 51 Battalion and 5 Signals Battalion, followed by a cultural programme and a barakhana in which all gallantry award recipients, station officers and other ranks took part.