CRPF celebrates 54th Valour Day

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) celebrated its 54th Valour Day (Shaurya Diwas) on April 9. On the occasion, President Ram Nath Kovind paid homage to the martyrs of police at National Police Memorial in New Delhi.

Why April 9 is observed as Shaurya Divas?

In the intervening night of 8 and 9 April 1965, nearly 3500 men from the 51st Infantry of Pakistani Army invaded India at Sardar Post. The mission of the Pakistani Army was to capture the Indian Territory defended by Sardar Post.

The Sardar post was being guarded by two battalions of CRPF which comprised of roughly 150 soldiers. The CRPF soldiers were no match in terms of arsenal compared to the Pakistani Army. The 51st Infantry of Pakistani Army invaded India comprised 18 Punjab battalion, 8 Frontier Rifles, and 6 Baluch battalion. In addition, the terrain was disadvantageous for the Indian forces.

In the fight ensued the Pakistani Army made three attempts to overrun the post. The CRPF soldiers thwarted every attempt with a brilliant display of courage and strategic intelligence.

The battle lasted for 12 hours and in the end, the Pakistani Army fled the battleground leaving behind 34 of their men dead, which included two officers. Another four soldiers were captured alive. On that night, the CRPF lost six of its brave soldiers. Ever since April 9 is observed by the CRPF as the Valour Day or Shaurya Diwas.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2019