First Mobile Tower at Remote CRPF Base | 17 Mar 2025
Why in News?
The first mobile phone tower was set up inside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Tekulagudem village, a remote area in the Naxal-affected Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.
- The initiative aligns with the Union Government’s goal to eliminate Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026.
Key Points
- BSNL Mobile Tower Operationalized:
- A Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) mobile tower is the first mobile connectivity facility in the area, benefiting both villagers and security personnel.
- The tower will serve Tekulagudem and nearby hamlets, including Timmapuram, Jonaguda, and Puvarti.
- The village is in Sukma district, which has been heavily affected by Naxal violence and shares a border with Bijapur in the Bastar region.
- Special Initiative for Villagers:
- BSNL officials traveled from Sukma headquarters and Raipur to operationalize the tower.
- A special camp was organized to distribute and activate SIM cards for the local population.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Inception and Evolution:
- The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states.
- The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949.
- Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation.
- Specialised Units:
- The CRPF has several specialised units, including the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), VIP Security Wing, and Mahila Battalions.
- Achievements and Contributions:
- The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism.
- Honouring the Bravehearts:
- The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.
