RAF Jawans May Soon be Seen Riding Horses as CRPF Sends Proposal for Mounted Battalions | Exclusive

CRPF jawans part of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) may soon be seen riding horses during crowd control duties, with the force sending a proposal for a mounted battalion to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Top sources in the Central Reserved Police Force told News18 that the proposal is at an early stage. They added that the force plans to have 100 horses in a phased manner, but didn’t reveal how many would be needed eventually to raise the battalion.

Explaining how a mounted battalion would help the RAF manage crowds more effectively, especially in conflict situations, a top-level CRPF official said: “A mounted battalion, if approved, will be a game-changer for the RAF as it will help in crowd disbursement, management and controlling the situation. The jawans can easily handle the situation without using additional force, which sometimes harms the public. Also, it would be tough for a violent crowd to attack the jawan. A proposal has been sent to the government with details of the requirements of the battalion.”

Another official from the RAF told News18 that the mounted battalion will efficiently disperse disorderly mobs during processions, demonstrations, rallies and dharnas, and it can be used for area patrolling, including on different terrains like river banks, parks, open green spaces, apart from various ceremonial duties.

The CRPF will not be the first among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to have a mounted battalion as the Border Security Force (BSF) has such units deployed along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) which guards the India-China border too has mounted units.

The proposal sent by the CRPF to the Centre mentions areas where such mounted RAF battalions can be used — hilly areas, cold weather terrains like in J&K and urban areas across the country, among others.

The RAF recently found itself out of its depths when deployed in Manipur during violent ethnic riots. The force is now waiting for clearance from the MHA to move onto discussions on the financial aspects of the proposal.

The RAF is a specialised force raised in October 1992 with 10 battalions. Five more battalions were added in 2018, taking the total to 15 battalions at present. These units were set up to deal with riots and riot-like situations as well as handle internal security duty.

It is a zero-response force which reaches the spot of a crisis situation within minimal time, instilling an immediate sense of security among the general public. It trains male and female contingents for UN peacekeeping missions to different countries (Haiti, Kosovo, Liberia to name a few) every year.

The force also has a separate flag signifying peace and was the proud recipient of President’s Colour Award, presented to it by then deputy prime minister LK Advani October 7, 2003.