The figures of martyrdom of paramilitary forces on duty in militancy and naxal affected areas are increasing. The maximum number of these are of CRPF jawans. 950 CRPF personnel posted in Jammu and Kashmir’s terror-affected to Naxal-affected areas have been martyred in the line of duty in three years.
The number of suicides among soldiers is also increasing. In the year 2021, 153 jawans committed suicide. Of these, 58 were CRPF and 42 BSF personnel.
The martyrdom of CRPF jawans has increased in the Naxal-affected areas. It is around 57 per cent. Including all the forces, 622 including 15 gazetted officers were martyred in the year 2019, 691 including 14 gazetted officers in 2020 and 729 soldiers including 18 gazetted officers in the year 2021.
Death by suicide is more than by encounter
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there have been more deaths by suicides of Central Armed Police Forces personnel including BSF, CRPF and SSB than in encounters in the six years 2015 to 2020. Around 680 personnel died by suicide between 2015 and 2020, while 323 personnel were killed in encounters. That is, the suicide figures were more than double.
According to experts, suicide occurs due to lack of time off, not being able to bear the pressure of difficult duty, mental stress, domestic problems.
Help for martyr on duty
, One-time compensation amount from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh to the family of martyr jawans.
, Public contribution up to 15 lakhs on Bharat Ke Veer Portal.
, Additional assistance of one lakh from the Veer Corps of India to the parents of the slain married personnel.
, Insurance coverage under the CAPF Salary Package Scheme.
, Certain benefits such as discount on air and rail travel fares to immediate relatives.
, Operational Casualty Certificate is issued for allotment of Retail Petrol Pumps etc.
, Eligible dependents are also given compassionate appointment as per the guidelines of the government.
, Quota for admission in MBBS and BDS courses.
reasons are different
The soldiers have to bear the brunt of lack of advanced technology at times. Even a small mistake in following SOP is heavy. CRPF is deployed on the front in extreme Naxal areas including Sukma, Narayanpur, dense forests of Bastar, Dantewada. Their camps are also in Naxalite areas. Army and BSF are also deployed in terror-hit areas. This gives more support to CRPF. Suicide due to family reasons, illness in remote areas, heart attack, etc. also become the cause of death. PK Mishra, former ADG