Police for society is like what oxygen is for life: Patil

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The stories of valour and sacrifice of police personnel fail to reach the common man, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said today.

The minister regretted that the good side of the police story remained confined to functions and programmes organised by police forces and the common man continued to remain ignorant about the valour and courage of men in khaki.

''Police for society is what oxygen is for life...we do not realise the importance of oxygen. But when it is gone, we realise how important it is,'' he said.

Mr Patil hoped that functions and programmes organised to celebrate the courage and bravery of police personnel would be organised on a bigger scale so that the public is informed about the achievements.

Mr Patil was addressing the Shaurya Diwas (day of valour) celebrations of the Central Reserve Police (CRP) here this evening.

The CRP today remembered the martyrs of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, who forced a 3000-strong infantry brigade Pakistan Army to retreat ahead of the 1965 war.

On this day in 1965, two companies of 2nd battalion CRP were deployed at Sardar and Tak posts in Runn of Kutch in Gujarat where a Brigade of Pakistan Army launched a massive attack at wee hours at both the places.

Without caring for their lives, the CRPF personnel with small arms and a machine gun and a mortar, valiantly kept the enemy at bay for over six hours.

The Pakistani army was forced to retreat leaving its 34 dead soldiers, while four others were made captive. The CRPF also suffered six casualties.

It is a rare feat in military history where a small contingent of paramilitary force could withstand and repulse a full brigade attack of an enemy army.

In memory of the gallant action of our men on that day, CRPF celebrates Valour Day on April 9 every year.

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