War on terror: Telangana's 'Lady Singham' led CRPF unit in J&K wins 41 gallantry medals

Srinagar: Patriotism wafted through the air and pride filled the hearts when CRPF, Srinagar sector, was honored with 41 gallantry medals including a Sharuya Chakra. Led by Telangana cadre woman IPS officer Charu Sinha, the CRPF formation has played a key role in the fight against terror in Kashmir.

CRPF has got the highest medal tally in the country this year. Jammu and Kashmir police have got the second highest gallantry awards.

"We have got 41 medals. It includes 40 gallantry medals and one Sharuya Chakra. One of the boys has awarded posthumously. I am proud of my team. They have worked very hard. I am also happy that their work has been acknowledged," she told NewsMeter.

A 1996 Telangana cadre IPS officer, Charu Sinha was appointed as Inspector General (IG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Srinagar sector in 2020. She replaced Pramod Kumar Panday who was heading the Srinagar sector of CRPF. Before her transfer to Srinagar, She was IG of CRPF, Jammu sector.

This is not the first time when she has been assigned a tough task. Earlier she worked as IG CRPF, Bihar sector, and has dealt with Naxals. Under her leadership, various anti-Naxals operations were carried out. Later, she was transferred to IG Jammu in CRPF where she spent a long and successful tenure. Srinagar sector headquarter is located on the banks of the famed Dal Lake at Brein Nishat in Srinagar. It was raised in 2005 when militancy was at its peak. Srinagar Sector is responsible for three districts- Budgam, Ganderbal, and Srinagar with 22 operational units. CRPF Srinagar sector started functioning soon after BSF was de-inducted from Kashmir.

Srinagar Sector includes two ranges, 22 executive units, and three Mahila companies. The Srinagar Sector has administrative control over Group Centre-Srinagar. It also has jurisdiction over the union territory of Ladakh

CRPF performs a dual role of managing the law and order and fighting militants in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. The paramilitary force plays a key role in helping the local police in the counter-insurgency duties. Most of the time they conduct joint operations with Jammu and Kashmir police, army, and other security agencies in the valley.

Charu Sinha has been leading the war on militancy and deal with stone-pelting and other law and order problems. This is not the first time when she has been assigned a tough task. Earlier she worked as IG CRPF, Bihar sector, and has dealt with Naxals.