3 PARA (Special Forces)

Brochure Defence India

March 2, 2013

A commemorative postage stamp on Third Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), ex-1^st Kumaon, converted to special forces in 2000 :

Issued by India

Issued on Mar 2, 2013

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 3 PARA (Special Forces).

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.42 Million (0.11 million for the Proponent)

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About :

3^rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) was raised on 8^th March, 1813 at Bolarum by Sir Henry Russell, the British Resident of Hyderabad. It was initially christened as 1^st Battalion, The Russell’s Brigade and after several changes in its name and organization, it was named as 3 Para (Special Forces) in 2004.
3 Para has played an important role in various operations in India & abroad since its inception. It took active part in operations during World War I and in Middle East and Burma during World War II. The battalion also played an important role in Jammu and Kashmir operations in 1947. On 7^th November, 1947, it took part in the famous Battle of Shelatang and was awarded the Battle honour ‘Shelatang‘. It was also responsible for the liberation of Poonch and awarded Battle honour ‘Poonch‘. The unit was also awarded the Theatre Honour Jammu & Kashmir 1947-48.
This unit was the first battalion of the Indian Army to serve under the United Nations. From November, 1956 to November, 1957 it formed the Indian contingent of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Egypt and Gaza Strip. The unit was deployed in the Western Sector during 1965 and 1971 operations and took part in OP CACTUS in Maldives in November, 1988. After its stint in overseas missions, it was again deployed in Jammu and Kashmir in OP RAKSHAK.
From June, 1995 to October, 1998 the unit showed exemplary courage and was awarded with the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation. After completing its peace tenure in May, 2001, the battalion was deployed in OP MEGHDOOT for which it received the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation for the second time in January, 2003.
The unit was ordered to be converted to Special Forces Battalion in November, 2003. The conversion process involved training, reorganization and operational preparation. On completion of the conversion training, the unit was validated for one and half year under Headquarters Northern Command. The unit was awarded Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation for the third time on Army Day, 2007 for its exemplary performance in OP RAKSHAK.
The 3 Para is the first battalion of Indian Army to have served the UN Missions twice, the second time being in Lebanon in 2008 where as part of the Peace Keeping Force it was awarded the United Nations Force Commander Citation for excellent performance in a multinational environment. After return from the United Nations Mission, the unit is orbatted to South Western Command, with one Assault Team under Counter Insurgency Force (Victor) in Northern Command for conduct of Counter Insurgency Operations.
3 Para has received many honours and awards both pre and post independence. Awards like Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Ati Vishist Sewa Medal, Ashok Chakra, etc. have adorned the officers of the battalion.
Text : Based on the material furnished by the proponent.