CRPF Director General G. P. Singh urged Rapid Action Force personnel to serve the nation with dedication during a visit to New Delhi [1].
The remarks come as security forces face public criticism over the use of pellet guns during recent anti-NEET protests. The Director General's assurance aims to maintain troop morale while the agency navigates a period of intense scrutiny regarding its crowd-control tactics.
Speaking July 27, 2024 [2], Singh addressed personnel at the headquarters of the 103 Battalion, Rapid Action Force, CRPF, in New Delhi [1]. He encouraged the troops to perform their duties without hesitation, addressing the pressures of current operational controversies.
"Work fearlessly, I'll take responsibility," Singh said [3].
The Director General emphasized that the leadership would shield personnel from the fallout of their professional conduct in the field. He noted that the dedication of the force remains paramount despite the external pressures stemming from the pellet-gun row [1].
"I will personally take responsibility for the actions of our personnel," Singh said [3].
The Rapid Action Force is a specialized wing of the CRPF designed to handle riots and public disturbances. The current controversy involving anti-NEET protests has highlighted the tension between maintaining public order and the humanitarian impact of non-lethal weaponry [1].
Singh concluded his address by reiterating the need for professionalism and national service [1].
"Serve the nation with dedication," Singh said [1].
“"Work fearlessly, I'll take responsibility."”
By publicly absorbing the responsibility for the actions of his troops, the CRPF Director General is attempting to prevent a paralysis of command. When security forces are hesitant to act for fear of legal or administrative repercussions, it can lead to a breakdown in crowd control; however, this stance may also be perceived by critics as a lack of accountability for the use of controversial weaponry.
