The Central government has given veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar the highest level of Z-Plus security ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. This decision was made after a review of the threat perceptions to Pawar carried out by central agencies following certain recent developments. He will now be protected by a team of 10 armed CRPF personnel during the elections.
In a stark rebuke of the Kolkata police for their handling of the aftermath of a trainee doctor's rape and murder, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to take over the security of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The move came after a mob systematically attacked doctors and medical staff at the facility on August 15, prompting over 700 doctors to leave out of safety concerns. The court also constituted a 10-member task force to formulate a national protocol for the safety of doctors and facilities at hospitals.
The recent killing of a CRPF officer in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir highlights the concerning rise of violence in the region. In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has convened a high-level meeting with top officials to address the surge in terror activities. As elections approach in Jammu and Kashmir, the government is implementing new security strategies, including increased patrols and sealing infiltration routes, to tackle the threat. However, concerns remain over slow progress in strengthening border security and the potential for further attacks as the region prepares for its first assembly elections in seven years.
A CRPF officer, Inspector Kuldeep Singh, was killed in a terrorist attack in J&K's Udhampur district. The attack, carried out by a group of hardcore foreign mercenaries, targeted a routine patrol party of the CRPF in the Cheel area of Ramnagar. Due to the increased presence of highly trained soldiers, including elite Para commandos, in the mountainous districts, security forces have been able to engage the terrorists in exchange for firing at a number of places. This attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in the region, and the continued efforts of the army and CRPF to ensure the safety and security of civilians in the area.
In a tragic incident, a CRPF officer was killed and three were injured in a gunfight with armed miscreants in Manipur's Jiribam district. The encounter took place in two villages where armed miscreants and a combination of state and central security forces exchanged fire. The brave CRPF driver, Ajay Kumar Jha, was hit on the forehead and succumbed to his injuries. Two Manipur commandos and another CRPF jawan were also injured in the incident and are being treated at the Jiribam District Hospital.
A CRPF jawan was killed and three others were injured, including a Manipur Police Sub-Inspector, in an ambush by unknown armed men in Manipur's Jiribam district. The security team was on a search operation for a previous firing incident when they were ambushed. Additional security forces have been deployed and a manhunt is underway to find the attackers. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has condemned the attack, claiming involvement of "suspected Kuki militants."
Two separate encounters in Jammu division on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in the death of a CRPF trooper, a terrorist and injuries to five soldiers and an SPO. One terrorist has been killed while the other is still being traced as security forces continue their search operations in Seda Sohal and Chattargalla areas. These incidents occurred after the recent Reasi terrorist attack and raise concerns about the growing presence of terrorists in the region.
For the first time in its 85-year history, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has promoted 2,600 cooks and water carriers, the lowest rung of constabulary, to the next rank of head constable. This decision, taken by the Union government following recommendations by the 7th pay commission, is a major milestone for these essential personnel who were previously unable to get promoted and retired in the same rank. These cook and water carrier personnel play a crucial role in keeping the 3.25 lakh-strong force well-fed and nourished, and this move is expected to boost their morale.
Tragedy struck in Manipur as two CRPF personnel from the 128 Battalion were killed in an attack by Kuki militants in the Naransena area during the state's second phase of Lok Sabha elections. Manipur’s Chief Electoral Officer praised the high voter turnout and minimal disruptions, with only one incident of EVM malfunctioning reported. Comparing to the previous elections, the overall conduct was relatively peaceful, attributed to robust participation and minimal disturbances.
As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, the Central government has extended 'Z' category CRPF security cover for Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar all over India. The Ministry of Home Affairs took this decision in light of recent threat assessments by the Intelligence Bureau. This move comes amidst the model code of conduct in place and Kumar's need to travel across the country to ensure free and fair elections. The extended security cover, consisting of over three dozen armed CRPF commandos, will provide round the clock protection for him.