The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 60th Raising Day on December 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the BSF on its raising day, saying it stands as a critical line of defence, embodying courage, dedication and exceptional service.

The BSF, with about 2.65-lakh personnel, guards over 6,300 km of Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Border Security Force

• International borders of India with Pakistan, both east and west, were being manned by the respective state police forces till Indo-Pak war in September 1965.

• Certain inherent shortcomings of this arrangement came to light during the war and it was decided to have one single force under the Union of India for guarding the international borders with Pakistan.

• The Border Security Force was raised in 1965 with 25 battalions. Over the years, the Force has grown in size and has 186 battalions including three NDRF battalions, five major training institutions, 11 subsidiary training centres and three minor training institutions.

• The headquarters of BSF is in New Delhi.

• Its field formations include two Special Directorates General — Spl DG (Eastern Command) and Spl DG (Western Command), 13 Frontiers and 46 sector headquarters, water wing, air wing and other ancillary units.

BSF’s role during peacetime:

i) To promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.

ii) To prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India.

iii) To prevent smuggling and any other illegal activities on the border.

iv) Anti-infiltration duties.

v) To collect trans-border intelligence. 

Its role during wartime:

i) Holding ground in assigned sectors.

ii) Limited aggressive action against paramilitary or irregular forces of the enemy.

iii) Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administered under the Army’s  control.

iv) Guarding prisoners of war camps.

v) Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.

vi) Assistance in control of refugees.

vii) Provision of sectors.

viii) Performing special tasks connected with Intelligence including raids.

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