Rapid Action Force Celebrates 22nd Anniversary, Heads To Counter Disasters and Pandemics
Rapid Action Force Celebrates 22nd Anniversary, Heads To Counter Disasters and Pandemics
The 22nd anniversary of the Rapid Action Force or RAF was celebrated on October 7th, 2014. All the senior dignitaries of the CRPF or Central Reserve Police Force were present at the ceremony. It was announced on this day that 5 more battalions of the RAF will be established at Patna, Guwhati, Siliguri, Uttar Pradesh and NCR (National Capital Region). A woman battalion will be established in Gujarat as well. Modern and sophisticated weapons that cause minimum damage were also a focus during the day so that collateral damage may be minimised.
An RAF troop of 250 personnel have been sent to Liberia to provide relief operations in the Ebola hit country at the request of the UN. The Rapid Action Force is also forming an operation to counter the cyclone Hud Hud headed to Odisha on October 12th, 2014.
The Rapid Action Force is a special wing of the CRPF which has been trained and equipped to deal with all kinds of emergencies. This force was formed in 1992 and it has dealt with everything from communal riots to civil unrest. While there are currently 10 battalions of the RAF, more will soon be added.
Personnel for the Rapid Action Force were selected from CRPF battalions on the basis of strict measure sand provided conversion training of 6 weeks before deployment of duties. Regular training and familiarisation exercises are caried out in sensitive and hyper sensitive areas by the RAF. This special force is also known for its humanitarian activities. The RAF Academy RAPO (Rapid Action Force Academy for Public Order) in Uttar Pradesh's city of Meerut was inaugurated by the Home Minister in 2013. This is the key training institute for the RAF.
The cyclonic storm is the latest challenge being faced by Odisha and the RAF is getting ready to counter it. Following the deep depression over the northern part of the Andaman Sea became a cyclonic storm and the a high alert has been sounded across the State as it gets ready to face the storm. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force has been deployed in strategic parts of the state to counter the threat of the cyclone.
Discussions are now being held regarding the movement of essential items as well as cattle feed. Flood control mechanisms and restoration of communications infrastructures is another area where the state is collecting data and making decisions. Following news from the Met department that the cyclonic storm was headed to Indian shores, the administration should be equipped to handle it.
RAF is a powerful and skilled defence force which has always worked for the welfare of India as well as the world. With more battalions being added to the force, there is hope that even disasters and pandemics will reduce in intensity and effect due to the help and assistance provided by these courageous and patriotic men and women from the Rapid Action Force.
