Four CRPF Bravehearts who served the nation in some of India's most challenging internal security operations made the supreme sacrifice on 14 September, in different years and different theatres of duty.
From the counter-terrorist operations in Punjab in 1989 to an intense encounter with insurgents in Tripura in 1995, these men faced danger in the line of duty and stood by their comrades when it mattered most. Their stories reflect the courage, discipline and devotion to duty that define the Central Reserve Police Force.
Head Constable Pritam Singh
On 14 September 1989, Head Constable Pritam Singh of 10 Battalion CRPF was serving in Punjab during a period of intense counter-terrorist operations.
While his party was conducting an anti-terrorist operation, it came under an ambush. In the encounter that followed, Head Constable Pritam Singh sustained a bullet injury and made the supreme sacrifice while performing his duty.
The CRPF's official Warriors Remembered record preserves his name among the personnel who gave their lives during the Force's difficult counter-terrorist operations in Punjab. His sacrifice remains a part of the CRPF's history of service in one of the country's most challenging internal security environments.
Naik Krishna Mohan Jha
Six years later, on 14 September 1995, another chapter of sacrifice unfolded in Tripura.
Naik Krishna Mohan Jha of 113 Battalion CRPF was part of a road-opening patrol operating in an area affected by insurgency. The patrol came under indiscriminate fire from insurgents concealed in a forest.
Despite the danger, the CRPF personnel regrouped and mounted a counter-attack. Naik Jha was among those who pressed forward against the insurgent positions. Even after sustaining severe injuries, he continued to engage the enemy before making the supreme sacrifice.
His courage under fire reflected the determination of the CRPF personnel who continued to advance despite the grave danger surrounding them.
Lance Naik Jagdish Singh
Lance Naik Jagdish Singh, also of 113 Battalion CRPF, stood alongside his comrades during the same 14 September 1995 operation in Tripura.
When insurgents opened fire on the road-opening patrol, the CRPF personnel came under intense attack. The situation demanded an immediate response, and the troops launched a counter-attack against the concealed positions.
Lance Naik Jagdish Singh was among those who led the response. Despite suffering severe injuries during the encounter, he continued to fight until he made the supreme sacrifice.
His courage and determination remain part of the proud record of 113 Battalion CRPF.
Constable C. H. Rameshwar Rao
Constable C. H. Rameshwar Rao, another member of 113 Battalion CRPF, also made the supreme sacrifice during the same 14 September 1995 operation in Tripura.
As the patrol came under heavy fire, Rameshwar Rao joined his comrades in confronting the insurgent positions. The CRPF personnel pressed their counter-attack despite the risks, forcing the insurgents from their positions.
Rameshwar Rao sustained severe injuries during the engagement but continued performing his duty before making the supreme sacrifice.
Together with Naik Krishna Mohan Jha and Lance Naik Jagdish Singh, he became one of three 113 Battalion CRPF Bravehearts remembered for their courage during that operation.
A Day of Remembrance
The four Bravehearts remembered here served in different years and faced different threats, but each remained committed to the duty entrusted to him.
Head Constable Pritam Singh made the supreme sacrifice in Punjab in 1989.
Naik Krishna Mohan Jha, Lance Naik Jagdish Singh and Constable C. H. Rameshwar Rao made the supreme sacrifice together in Tripura in 1995.
Their names represent the courage of the CRPF personnel who have served in India's most difficult internal security environments, often far from public attention and under constant danger.
On 14 September, The Honour Post remembers these four Bravehearts with gratitude and respect.
Their courage, devotion to duty and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
We Remember
Lest We Forget.