A motorbike ride, walking in IED affected areas, breaking bread with his foot soldiers, DG CRPF GP Singh leads from the front

In this special feature, BW POLICEWORLD describes DG GP Singh visits to LWE affected areas, J&K, Manipur, his extra effort to understand the terrain, its people, his personnel and spearheaded the counter naxalism operations

New Delhi, June 23

Director General of Central Reserve Police Force Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been bonding over brotherhood with his personnel even in the the most remote areas affected by left wing extremism. Taking some bold steps he went on a motorbike ride in IED affected areas of  Nambi and Gunderbatti in Chhattisgarh to breaking bread with CRPF personnel!

Singh after assuming the charge in January this year has been visiting several battalions of the force and interacted with his men to understand the tireless work the last man of the ground puts for CRPF. 

DG Singh on his first visit after taking over met personnel in left wing affected Chhattisgarh. He went on foot trail to understand the LWE affected zone, villagers and their challenges and even broke bread with his personnel. 

He visited the Bijapur range focusing on enhanced coordination and operational strategies to counter Naxalism. During his visit he also reached the Forward Operating Base of 150 battallion at Tekalguriam, Sukma. He assessed the preparedness of troops.  
He also took a step ahead and made a night halt at the Forward Operating Base in Tekalguriam, sharing a meal with his troops and engaging in heartfelt conversations about their families and well-being, boosting morale and solidarity. 

DG CRPF interacted with villagers at Tekalguriam, inquiring about their well-being and distributing essentials as a gesture of support. He then undertook an on-foot route march to Silger camp, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges of the Naxal-affected region.

He also visited a local school, encouraging students to study hard and serve the nation; distributed uniforms, notebooks, and essentials, fostering hope for a brighter future.

Singh visited the FOB of 151 battalion at Dharmavaram in South Bastar, assessing operational readiness and reinforcing CRPF’s resolve in the fight against extremism. He then visited the Field Hospital in Pamed, uplifting patients' spirits with his reassuring presence. This was followed by his visit to Dantewada, the known naxal affected district in Chhattisgarh. He visited the Ops Range Dantewada, where he engaged with CRPF and state police officers. He reviewed the status of anti-Maoist operations, discussed key challenges, and outlined a strategic roadmap for the future. 

Similarly, he undertook another interaction 241 batallion in Jagdalpur, Bastar, where he engaged with officers and personnel, applauding their commitment and resolve to defeat Maoist extremism. He personally inquired about their families and well-being, assuring them of full support from Force HQ.

It was during this visit, he visted the CoBRA Complex in Jagdalpur, Bastar. He deliberated with officers on bolstering anti-naxal operations and inspected the camp, including the firing range, to assess preparedness and uplift troop morale.  

It may be noted that COBRA is the elite commando force of the CRPF that has elimiated majortiy of naxals in the LWE areas and recently gunned down top naxal commanders in high profile operations. 

After his thorough visit to Chhattisgarh, DG Singh began his vist to Jammu and Kashmir where the CRPF plays a key to role in maintaining internal security. 

During his two-day visit to Jammu, he spent time engaging with G/38 batallion at Surankote. Visiting the location, he interacted with officers and jawans and was briefed on the security scenario in the area. He stressed strict adherence to SOPs in operations and camp security. 

He also underscored the vital link between physical fitness and a sharp, resilient, and positive mind. 
He spent a memorable evening with the troops of during his overnight stay. Over dinner, he shared candid moments with the jawans, listened to their experiences and concerns, and checked on their families' well-being—further strengthening the bond of trust and camaraderie within the force.

Singh then visited B/121 at Machedi, Kathua in February, to assess operational readiness and connect with troops. Engaging with on-ground commanders and jawans, he discussed security challenges, administrative concerns, and logistical needs—ensuring they have what they need to excel in their mission. 

During his visit to Udhampur, he reached G/187 Bn at Dudu and addressed the troops in a Sainik Sammelan, delving into operational, administrative, and personnel matters—fueling their spirit and fortifying the warrior kinship in uniform. He held another Sainik Sammelan during his visit to GC Hyderabad and addressed officers and jawans, emphasizing operational readiness, fitness, discipline, and camaraderie. 

He similarly visited GC Guwahati and presided over a Sainik Sammelan, stressing the importance of a stress-free life, good health, discipline, transparency, and strong camaraderie among all ranks—paving the way for a stronger, more resilient force. 
During his Assam, visit he held held a high-level strategic meeting in Guwahati with DG Assam, Harmeet Singh. 

During his visit to Manipur he  presided over a strategic review in Imphal West with senior officers. The discussions focused on assessing the ground situation and refining the force’s approach to maintaining peace in the region. 

Singh met the brave troops of 120 batallion at Lamsang, Imphal urging them to stay vigilant, support one another, and keep their spirits high. 

He assured them of full headquarter support for both operations and personal needs. Visiting RIMS Hospital, he checked on the injured personnel, inquired about their well-being, and discussed their treatment with the doctors. He then paid tribute to the bravehearts at the Martyrs' Memorial, saluting their supreme sacrifice for the nation and visited the Composite Hospital, reviewed facilities, interacted with medical staff, and met patients, inquiring about their health and well-being.

In Manipur, DG Singh visited 112 Battalion, Kangpokpi, where he engaged with troops in a Sainik Sammelan, addressing operational and welfare concerns. Over a Barakhana, he shared informal conversations with personnel, discussing their families, children's education, and the camaraderie that binds them in service.

He organized Sainik Sammelan at 58 Bn Churachandpur addressing key operational and administrative matters. He also blended with the troops over Barakhana, in an informal setting where personnel showcased their talents and spoke their hearts out to build a bond and trust with  the troops. 

Later during his visit to Imphal on February 21, he held a pivotal discussion with Kuldiep Singh, the state's Security Advisor and DG Manipur Police. The talks focused on strengthening strategic coordination and enhancing joint efforts to secure peace and maintain order in the state.

Barely within a few days of his Manipur visit, he commenced his Kahsmir visit on February 24. 
He began his tour with a visit to the HQ of 115 battallion and witnessed the cutting-edge prowess of ValleyQAT observed advanced weaponry, and engaged with QAT commanders. He also toured the campus and assessed battalion facilities, reinforcing force's steadfast operational dominance. 

He then toured the 183 battallion campus at Pulwama, interacted with personnel, and inquired about their routine duties and operations. He reviewed operational readiness and engaged with his personnel as well as local police officers from Awantipora, Pulwama & Shopian. Emphasizing strategic coordination, intelligence sharing & unified security efforts, he reinforced the commitment to peace in the region.

After his visit to Pulwama, a sentive zone in J&K, he visited 164 battallion Kokernag on February 25, to review security strategies & operational readiness. 

In discussions with CRPF, J&K police and Indian Army officers, he stressed seamless collaboration to fortify the region’s security. Over Badakhana, he shared a warm camaraderie with the troops. Filled with pride, the jawans eagerly spoke of their experiences and families, reflecting the deep bond between the force and its chief. 

His visit to Pulwama also helped him delve into operations, welfare, and personal well-being, striking a chord with his troops. The visit culminated in Bada Khana, where he dined with them in an informal setting. 

He also visited the headquarter of 176 Bn, Waripora, Baramulla, for a ground assessment. During the visit he scrutinized facilities and held incisive deliberations with officers on sharpening operational effectiveness and upholding law and order.  

Before concluding his Kashmir visit, he also held a strategic meeting with officers from CRPF and J&K Police at 176 battallion Waripora, Baramulla. He assessed operational readiness and stressed upon seamless coordination in countering evolving security threats. Later, he broke bread with his troops in a Badakhana, engaging with them on their welfare and personal concerns. 

During the Mahakumbh organised in Uttar PRadesh, CRPF played a pivotal role in handling the security of the high profile event.  DG Singh visited Prayagraj and honored CRPF personnel with the DG’s Commendation Disc & Certificates for their exemplary dedication during the Mahakumbh. 

DG Singh also ensured his presence and vigil in Jharkhand, another left wing extremism affected state. 
He toured GC Ranchi in March, assessing infrastructure and facilities. At a Sainik Sammelan, he connected with jawans, discussing matters of welfare, administration, and well-being. At Jharkhand Sector HQ, Ranchi, he chaired a high-level meeting with officers of Jharkhand police and CRPFS focusing on intensifying anti-Maoist operations and refining counter-Naxal strategies to strengthen security in Jharkhand.

He visited the home of Veer Balidani HC/GD  Mahima Nand Shukla in Palamu, Jharkhand, who made the supreme sacrifice in an IED blast. He assured them force's help and support for the family. 

Singh visited the VIP Security Training Centre (VSTC) at GC Noida, touring the campus, reviewing infrastructure and interacting with commandos and officers and urged them to strive for zero-error excellence in ensuring top-tier security.

In March, DG Singh inaugurated the Basic Training Course for the 56th batch of DAGOs—50 future leaders, including 2 lady officers. He shared insights on training, expectations & challenges, shaping them for a lifetime of service to the nation. 

Gadchiroli, one of the naxal affected states in Maharashtra and bordering state with Chhattisgarh is one of the key area of operations for CRPF. 

DG Singh visited G/191 battllion Wangeturi, Gadchiroli and assessed operational preparedness and connected with troops beyond duty. Engaging in candid conversations about their well-being, he reinforced the bond of trust. He participated in the Badakhana and held an overnight stay at the strategically important Wangeturi to share moments of esprit de corps, embodying the spirit of unity and steadfast vigilance. 

He then visited Gardewada, Gadchiroli to assess the operational readiness. Interacting with jawans, he urged them to recognize their role in internal security and the fight against naxalism, stressing discipline, fitness, and camaraderie. He also encouraged them to stay mission-ready, support one another, and foster positivity. He applauded their dedication, reinforcing the spirit of duty and resilience. 

This was followed by a Operations Range, Gadchiroli, where he paid tribute to the martyrs and engaged in in-depth discussions with officers.  He underscored Gadchiroli’s strategic significance—its vast eastern border with Chhattisgarh making it a linchpin in the broader anti-Maoist campaign. With a focus on refining strategies and operational efficiency, he outlined a vision for decisive results in the fight against LWE. 

Singh made his second visit to Chhattsigarh and visited 85 battllion HQ to assess facilities, interact with the personnel of CRPF and Chhattisgarh Police and to acknowledge their recent achievement in the fight against Left Wing Extremism. During a ‘Samvad’ session with jawans, he lauded their steadfast commitment to anti-Maoist operations, urging them to maintain physical fitness and workplace positivity. 

He also saw the newly established FOB of A&F/229 battllion in Gunjerparti, Usoor, Bijapur, to assess security preparedness and strategize with troops. Believing that the fight against Maoists is not just about eliminating threats but securing the populace and bringing them the benefits of governance, he participated in a Civic Action Programme, distributing essentials & medical aid—deepening trust, strengthening bonds.

His visit to Chhattisgarh was marked with his presence at Group Centre, Raipur where he paid solemn tribute to the martyrs, reaffirming the Force’s deep-rooted commitment to their legacy.  Marking a step toward better living standards, he inaugurated newly built Family Quarters. His visit ended on a heartwarming note, as he spent time with school children, sharing laughter and bringing smiles.

During this very visit, DG Singh grabbed appreciation from all quarters in CAPFs and especially the villagers in Chhattisgarh when he shunned his official vehicle and hopped on to a motorbike with a CRPF official and took a toure of the area. 

On March 25, he hit the rugged trails of Chhattisgarh on a motorcycle, dominating the treacherous stretch between FOB Nambi and Gunjerparti in Bijapur. Riding through an IED-threatened zone, he undertook the journey to experience and understand the challenges troops face daily in anti-Naxal operations.

To lift the spirits of his personnel, he also presented a DG’s Commendation Disc and a commendation letter to Sub Inspector Anjali rushed to aid a heart attack victim on the Blue Line Metro in Delhi, providing critical help before medical aid arrived. 

In April, DG Singh paid tribute to the martyrs at Shaurya Sthal, followed by reviewing the DG's Parade in Neemuch and taking the salute. The stirring display heralds the forthcoming celebrations concerning the 86th CRPF Day at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh.

He visited Ayodhya to assess security at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Dham in May. He held key discussions with temple authorities to ensure seamless coordination for safeguarding this spiritually significant site.

In the spiritually significant and security-sensitive precincts of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, Varanasi, the DG conducted an in-depth review of the security grid. He chaired a high-level meeting with Varanasi police Officers and office bearers of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, underlining the imperative of seamless inter-agency synergy to address evolving security challenges with precision.

Among his few visits to the CoBRA he touched down at 209 CoBRA HQ, Khunti to review operational readiness, addressing issues of welfare, administration and logistics during a Sainik Sammelan, and boosting morale with his ground-level connect. He also visited Srinagar 181 battallion at Charar-e-Sharief, Srinagar to review the Quarter Guard, assessed the operational landscape, and interacted with officers and personnel. He exhorted troops to invest in fitness of body and mind—the foundation of professional excellence and familial well-being.

He also took the opportunity to infuse young recruits at RTC Lethpora with fiery inspiration and urging them to rise as its future torchbearers. He also inaugurated a new Admin Block, interacted with the training staff, and emphasized the need to prepare recruits for emerging threats and modern response strategies. At 185 battllion, he reviewed infrastructure, administrative issues, and operational preparedness, engaging closely with officers and men. 

This month, he made an effort to comfort the bereaved family of one of his men in Gujarat. He met the family of Veer Balidani constable GD Solanki Mehul Bhai Nandlal in Devgana, Bhavnagar  who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while combating Naxalism in Chhattisgarh on May 22. He met the grieving mother and other family members; offered all help from the force. 

He began his second visit to Manipur this month and undertook a comprehensive review of the security landscape in the jurisdiction of 32 battllion at Loktak. He toured the region and engaged with key security personnel and stakeholders on the ground. He visited 109 battllion HQ, reviewed campus facilities, and directed timely upgrades and also addressed the troops during a Sainik Sammelan. At Group Centre Imphal, he conducted a thorough inspection of the barracks and family quarters, directing necessary improvements for better living conditions. 

He also reviewed the infrastructure and amenities of the Composite Hospital, emphasizing the need for continued enhancement. He also interacted with patients and medical staff to evaluate the quality of healthcare services being delivered.
 

With Amarnath yatra beginning on July 3, CRPF DG is focused on visiting J&K for ensuring foolproof security at the event especially after the fatal Pahalagam terror attack that claimed lives of 27 innocent tourists. 

Singh began his preparedness with his personnel for the high profile event since May 29 and began discussing measures. He chaired a high-level strategy meet at GC Srinagar with senior officers and Commandants of valley based units, reviewing the security landscape and operational posture. He chaired a crucial meeting at Jammu Sector HQ, with senior officers. He also visited the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp to take stock of the elaborate preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 on May 30. 

During his recent two day visit to Kashmir, DG CRPF GP Singh chaired a high-level meeting at GC Srinagar to review security preparedness. The next day, he visited 49 battllion Baltal, inspected the Base Camp, and held an on-ground strategic review with senior officers. He also visited the Holy Cave and assessed key locations en route interacting with the troops to ensure a safe, seamless, and well-coordinated Yatra for all devotees.

DG Singh has set an example of breaking the barriers and developing a strong one to one bond with force that is presently carrying out some of the biggest counter naxalism operations. The recent operation 'Operation Black Forest' and following operations have neutralized four key commanders and strategists of the naxal groups marking the 'beginning of the end of naxalism' in the country.

 

 

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Ujjawala Sushil Nayudu

BW Reporters The author is an Editor at BW PoliceWorld

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