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The manual lays out a step-by-step sequence, starting with dialogue and ending, only in exceptional circumstances, with the use of live ammunition.
According to the RAF manual, the first responsibility of a contingent commander is to prevent an agitated mob from turning into a violent mob. (Image: PTI)
The Rapid Action Force (RAF), the special anti-riot branch of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), follows the principle of gradual escalation while dealing with riots and violent public disorder. The RAF manual makes it clear that the primary objective of the force is not to suppress crowds by force, but to prevent violence through restraint, persuasion and the minimum force necessary. It describes a pre-riot situation, where violence could erupt “at any moment” and instructs personnel to respond with “great restraint, calmness and discretion.”
The manual lays out a step-by-step sequence, starting with dialogue and ending, only in exceptional circumstances, with the use of live ammunition. It also outlines what commanders should do once the riots are under control, including relief, rehabilitation and measures to prevent fresh violence.
Using pellet guns is the second last option for the RAF, just before firing live bullets, and involves a lot of documentation, questioning and investigation.
prevention before force
According to the RAF manual, the first responsibility of a contingent commander is to prevent an agitated mob from turning into a violent mob. It specifically directs commanders to discourage protesters through negotiations, persuasion and appeals and says force should be employed only if these measures fail. Still, only the minimum force required should be used.
When deployed, the minimum anti-riot force is typically one platoon. A certain number of teams perform riot-control duties, while one remains in reserve with fire-fighting, rescue, first aid, relief and women personnel. The party is instructed to stop at a safe distance from the crowd, quickly form proper formation and proceed in a disciplined manner while maintaining minimum distance from the crowd. The manual states that the professional presence and activities of the RAF should have a psychological effect on the crowd.
Negotiation, Persuasion and Warning
Once deployed, the contingent commander is expected to address crowd leaders and encourage dialogue through a portable public address system. The manual recommends involving local police officers, magistrates, and respected community leaders in convincing the crowd to disperse voluntarily. It advises commanders to be polite but firm, cautioning against both appearing weak and adopting an unnecessarily authoritarian tone.
If the talks fail, the gathering will be declared unlawful and a formal warning will be issued instructing people to disperse. The warning should be given clearly over the public address system and may also be displayed on banners in the local language. Commanders are instructed to allow sufficient time to register the alert and, if necessary, repeat it several times before proceeding.
graded use of force
The RAF manual provides a gradual scale of force, with options given to the contingent commander depending on the situation, with an emphasis on “utmost restraint”.
water splashes
The first forceful measure is the use of water cannons. The manual envisages the use of both plain and colored water. Colored water serves a dual purpose: it helps push back crowds and also helps identify something later. The manual states that the torrent of water can throw a person within 25 to 30 meters.
tear gas
If water cannons cannot be dispersed, commanders can deploy tear smoke weapons. The manual notes that different types of tear smoke are available and that the commander should select the type based on operational requirements and desired effect. It also cautions against its excessive use for some reasons.
wielding sticks and sticks
If even tear gas fails, riot-control teams are instructed to advance in a wedge or extended-line formation using shock batons and sticks. The manual states that each team is authorized two shock batons. According to the document, these batons deliver local electric shock without causing burns or body current and are designed primarily to repel rather than seriously injure. It also prohibits accidental use of shock batons.
rubber bullets
Where other methods prove ineffective, particularly against arsonists or violent groups, the firing element may use rubber bullets directed at specific targets. The manual instructs riot-control teams to immediately take advantage of the impact of rubber bullets by moving forward to disperse the crowd, while the firing element is brought forward through the opening created by the riot-control line. A senior RAF officer said that using pellet guns also falls in this category. This is the second last option for the RAF and requires a robust pre and post process of documenting everything. This is one of the most difficult processes in terms of procedures and requires a lot of post-documentation followed by inquiries and investigations.
live ammunition
The final step is the use of live ammunition. The RAF manual states that actual bullets should only be used to neutralize a person firing at a party or to save human life where there is an imminent danger, such as a stabbing or a mob attacking someone who might otherwise be killed. Even in those situations, it states that the objective is not to kill the attacker but to save the victim, instructing personnel to aim low.
medical assistance during operation
The manual requires that RAF detachments be accompanied by a medical officer and paramedical staff during communal riots, riot-like situations and rescue operations. Their role is to provide immediate medical aid not only to RAF personnel but also to civilians injured during firing, lathi charge or use of tear gas.
Recording and Review Operations
The manual emphasizes that operations do not end when soldiers leave the scene. It requires pre-deployment briefings and subsequent debriefings to document intelligence gathered, operational deficiencies, and lessons learned during the operation. Status reports are to be prepared and transmitted through the chain of command. It also emphasizes that organized withdrawal is as important as rapid deployment and cautions against keeping units on alert longer than is operationally necessary.
maintain order after spillover
The RAF manual states that dispersing the crowd does not end the operation. Commanders have been instructed to continue precautionary patrolling until the situation becomes completely normal. Police pickets will be set up in sensitive areas, extensive searches will be conducted for firearms, explosives and incendiary materials and known miscreants will be arrested under preventive provisions in coordination with the local police.
The manual also recommends securing vital installations, setting up check posts at entry points, organizing flag marches to reassure residents, countering rumours, activating peace committees and encouraging the media to broadcast appeals for communal harmony. It advised arranging protected funerals, ensuring medical care, allowing chemist shops to function, facilitating door-to-door supply of essential commodities where necessary, and providing psychological support, especially to women and children affected by the violence.
relief and rehabilitation
In the post-riot phase, the RAF manual states that the force should “apply remedies” to affected communities. It directs commanders to set up a reporting center and conduct a survey to identify damaged buildings, displaced persons, separated families, damaged roads and disruption in essential services such as water supply and sewerage. The teams are then assigned tasks such as providing primary repairs, assisting homeless residents, and supporting relief efforts with civil authorities.
Women personnel are specifically assigned roles in first aid, assisting distressed women and children, and conducting searches, including women where necessary.
About the author
Ankur Sharma, who has spent over 17 years in journalism, is an Associate Editor specializing in internal security and strategic affairs. He covers the Home Ministry, paramilitary forces and Centre…read more
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