CRPF and BSF: Know more about our armed forces

The armed force of a country has several wings. India too, has different sections of military to manage various domestic and border issues. Two names we hear often in media reports are CRPF and BSF. Read on to find out more about them.  

Who are the CRPF? 
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is a paramilitary force under the Home Ministry of India. Its primary role is to assist state and Union Territory governments in police operations aimed a maintaining law and order. The CRPF plays a vital role in election duties, especially in regions notorious for poll-related violence, booth capturing and post polling violence. It also claims to be the largest domestic paramilitary force in the world with 210 battalions and several regional units attached to it. 

What was the history of the CRPF?  
CRPF came into existence as the Crown Representative's Police on July 27, 1939, a unit of police set up by the British to put down Indian freedom fighters and also contain any local turmoil. Ironically, after Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force with the CRPF Act on December 28, 1949, and took up curbing insurgencies for the Indian government. 

Who are the BSF?  
BSF stands for the Border Security Force. Unlike the CRPF, they are not a branch of the police. BSF is the military force assigned with protecting Indians living close to our international borders, preventing cross-border crimes/unauthorised entry or exit across the border, and prevent smuggling and other illegal activities. BSF carries out search and seizure operations to stop smuggling of narcotics, prohibited items, arms etc.   

What was the history of the BSF?  
On April 9, 1965 Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet in Kutch of India. The Government of India felt the need for a specialized centrally controlled Border Security Force at that time, which would be armed and trained to guard the border with Pakistan. A special committee was formed to recommend a strategy, and per their advice the Border Security Force came into existence on December 1, 1965, under its first chief and founder Shri K F Rustamji.