New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday lauded the role of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in containing the Left wing extremism in the country.

Releasing a graphic booklet here on the valour and sacrifice of the CRPF personnel during the battle of Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch in the 1965 lndia-Pakistan war, the home minister said: "Due to the brave efforts of the CRPF personnel, there has been a 35 percent reduction in incidents in the Left wing extremism-affected states."

On April 9, 1965, at the Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch, two companies of the CRPF stood their ground and repulsed the attack of a full-fledged Pakistani infantry brigade, inflicting heavy casualties.

In para-military forces a company consists of about 100-225 troopers, while a brigade in the armed forces has a strength of about 3,000 combatants.

The retaliation by the CRPF men was such a profound shock to the Pakistani army that they left behind 34 bodies, including two of officers.

Four Pakistani soldiers were taken prisoners. Six CRPF men made supreme sacrifice for the cause of the nation, Rajnath Singh said in a statement.

The CRPF plans to publish a series of graphic booklets depicting various tales of valour and sacrifice of the force. The aim is to instill patriotism and nationalism in the young generation and also to let the people know about the gallantry and sacrifice of the unsung heroes of the CRPF.

The force also plans to market these booklets, and spend the funds thus raised on the welfare of the families of martyrs, the statement added.