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| July 2010 Issue |
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CoBRA in Chains
Administrative as well as operational impediments restrict SAF’s growth
By Nitasha Chawla |
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When the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) force was raised last year as an elite anti-Naxal force, it was seen as one of the steps taken by the MHA to counter the Maoist menace effectively. However, more than a year later, the reality is that the force, which is now called Special Action Force (SAF) is dealing with administrative as well as operational handicaps which have affected its growth into a resilient and well-trained force.
CoBRA was formed as an independent anti-Naxal force within the ambit of CRPF with a separate sector headquarter-CoBRA headquarters headed by an officer of the rank of IG. These battalions were meant exclusively for anti-Naxal operations and jungle warfare for deployment in Naxal-affected states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra. A separate fund of Rs 1,389 crore was allocated for raising CoBRA battalions to make it a better equipped and highly motivated force out of which Rs 491 crore was slotted for manpower training with the remaining amount to be spent on creating infrastructure. When the idea of having a special anti-Naxal force was conceived last year, it was supposed that CoBRA and CRPF would share the same relationship as exists between the Indian Army and Rashtriya Rifles (RR).
However, according to a senior CRPF officer, the reality is quite different. He told FORCE that though there is a symbiotic relation between CRPF and CoBRA, yet on papers, no such clear cut policy exists. This means anybody moving to CoBRA from a regular CRPF battalion has no idea as to how many years he has to serve in CoBRA. As a result, the future of the personnel is uncertain which can adversely affect their performance. Also, unlike RR, where each individual has to serve for around two years, CoBRA does not have any such fixed tenure. This is an area of concern as an individual can not stay motivated throughout life, a fact that has to be understood by higher echelons so that the tenures are fixed accordingly. In addition, the officers having the real field exposure/achievements during their tenures in CoBRA must be given preference in promotions so that commanders at the top level are familiar with the ground realities.
Even though the 201 CoBRA battalion force celebrated its 1st Raising day on 19th of January at its headquarters in Chhattisgarh, the reasons to celebrate were not many, given the current plight of the force. One of the grey areas is the low morale and motivation of the men and the urgent need to recognise their valiant efforts in the various successful operations. There have been incidents in the past where personnel of 201 CoBRA battalion have exhibited commendable courage and successfully contained the Naxalites. In the process, the battalion has also lost many of its members. However, such acts of courage have been left unrecognised by the concerned authorities. Another CRPF official said that, “Some of our officers deserved recognition of the highest order. The national media duly highlighted the unparalleled heroism exhibited by them but unfortunately internal enquiry conducted by CRPF failed to recommend their names for any gallantry award, not to talk of Ashok or Kirti Chakra. This grave injustice severely demoralised the rank and files of CoBRA in particular and CRPF in general.” |
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