New Delhi, Oct 7 (Bureau) Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Kumar Mishra on Friday said the Rapid Action Force (RAF) is playing a key role in keeping peace in the country and helping the nation’s progress in all spheres. Addressing the 30th RAF Anniversary Parade held at Hakimpet here, the Union Minister said the entire world is looking at India with respect. Stating that internal conditions are changing, Mishra said India is being recognised worldwide for its traditional knowledge and spiritual leadership. Lauding the expertise of the RAF in tackling emergency situations like disaster management, rescue, and relief operations, he said the force has been doing yeomen service. Mishra said the Central government is making constant efforts to bring positive change and all development is linked to peace and added that efforts are also on to improve the conditions of the Central Police forces.
The Union Minister said from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh in the far East of the country to the West in Gujarat, wherever any incidents and disturbance, the RAF has succeeded in controlling anti-national elements with its great skill and amazing ability to mob control and to establish peace, law and order. Courage and patience is the specialty of this force which has changed the history of success. He expressed confidence that they would continue to do their best in handling the law and order situation in the country, with high dedication and live up to the expectations of the people. During the parade, eight contingents from RAF participated and demonstrated their professional skills in Rescue operations, Disaster management, first aid and exhibited power and efficiency of force.
Fifteen battalions of the specialised RAF have been raised since 1992. Currently, the RPF battalions have been strategically located in 15 cities across the country. The RPF is a zero response force as it gets into a crisis situation within a minimal time and is always kept in readiness for rapid deployment, thus enthusing an immediate sense of security and confidence among the general public. The Force is equipped with non-lethal weapons for dispersing the crowd with minimum harm. Dr Sujoy Lal Thaosen, Director General CRPF, S.S.Chaturvedi, ADG, Southern Zone, Vivek Vaid, PMG, Inspector General of Police , RAF, Mahesh Chandra Laddha, IGP Southern Sector CRPF and other senior officers of the Force, Jawans and their families witnessed the parade.