On Tuesday, the Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for the year 2023 was awarded to 204 deserving security personnel who demonstrated remarkable courage and strategic planning during four special operations of high national significance. These operations contributed significantly to the safety and security of the country and its citizens.
CRPF’s Anti-Extremist Operations
Among the distinguished recipients of this prestigious medal are 51 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) who played a pivotal role in two anti-extremist operations. Operation Double Bull, conducted in Latehar and Lohardaga districts of Jharkhand in February 2022, and Operation Octopus, carried out in the Burha Pahar area spanning the junction of Garhwa and Latehar districts of Jharkhand in August-September 2022, led to the elimination, capture, or surrender of numerous Left-wing extremist leaders and cadres. These operations also resulted in significant seizures of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Of the 51 CRPF personnel honored, 18 were recognized for their contributions to Operation Double Bull, while 33 received the honor for their role in Operation Octopus.
NIA’s Nationwide Crackdown on PFI
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) also played a crucial role in a nationwide crackdown in September 2022. This operation targeted the radical organization Popular Front of India (PFI) and led to the arrest of over 100 leaders and members of the outfit. This operation exposed an alleged sinister plot by PFI to instill fear in the public through attacks and targeted killings as part of a larger plan to establish Islamic rule in India by the year 2047. Nine NIA personnel were awarded the Home Minister’s Medal for their exemplary work in this operation.
Narcotics Control Bureau’s International Drug Bust
Fourteen members of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) were recognized for their outstanding work in dismantling an international drug syndicate in November 2022. This syndicate was operating from Ludhiana, Punjab, with connections to Dubai, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The NCB’s operation resulted in the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of 40 kilograms of heroin, 600 grams of opium, and 31 live bullets, along with magazines. Notably, this operation included the freezing of 52 bank accounts, marking a significant achievement in the financial investigation of a drug smuggling case.
The Significance of the Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal
The Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal is awarded annually on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary. It recognizes outstanding contributions in areas such as counter-terrorism, border security, arms control, prevention of narcotics smuggling, and rescue operations.