BORDER SECURITY FORCE CELEBRATES 59TH RAISING DAY
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Agartala, Dec 01, 2023, By Our Correspondent
On 1st Dec 1965, Border Security Force was raised to guard the international border and protect the Indian territorial limits. Before that Indian border was guarded by state police of concerned states. Force personnel participated shoulder to shoulder with Indian Army in 1971 war and played important role in launching of attack by Indian Army on Pak army and at the same time provided shelter and training to Mukti Vahini Yodha of East Pakistan. In its journey of 59 years, BSF reached the strength of 193 Battalions (including 04 disaster management BN) from the initial strength of 25 Battalions. BSF has a vast experience and glorious history in combating terrorism in Punjab & Kashmir, fighting insurgency in North eastern region and controlling naxalisum in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. During election, and law & order duties force personnel proved their mettle in dealing with difficult situation.
Border Security Force is efficiently guarding the borders of Pakistan and Bangladesh having different types of challenges and working conditions. Tripura state has 856 Km of IB which is effectively being manned by BSF. Along with maintaining sanctity and security of the border BSF has also launched a campaign against drugs and narcotics. During the year 2023, BSF seized narcotics worth Rs- 23,12,13,667/- which contributes in making Tripura a drug free state. Total seizure of smuggled items worth Rs 64,83,90,565/- was made during the year. 319 BD nationals, 112 Rohingyas and 285 indian nationals were apprehended. In addition to above 8,73,000 Ganja sapplings in appx 253.20 acres of land were also destroyed by BSF troops.
Civic action programmes are also being organised in the border areas to assist the border population. During need of hour, BSF extends helping hand to border population. Border population are also being made aware about the various schemes of central government which proves beneficial to them. Several programmes under Azadi ka amrit mahotsav, Meri mati mera desh, Swachhta hi seva etc, were organised under the aegis of Frontier Headquarter Tripura. A step towards protecting the environment, plantation drive has actively been organised.
BSF is maintaining good relations with counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh and conducting regular interaction at appropriate level to ensure peace and tranquillity at international border. Retired BSF personnel along with their families were also invited to attend the Barakhana at nearby BSF locations. Several programmes were organised to celebrate the Raising day at different locations of BSF. At BSF FTR HQ Salbagan Tripura a Barakhana was organised with participation of officers, subordinate officers and other ranks including cultural programme. Sh. R K Singh, DIG/PSO (officiating IG) conveyed best wishes and congratulation to the BSF troops, retired BSF personnel and their families.