By Firstdespatch Desk Dec 01, 2023
Agartala, Dec 1 (FD) On December 1, 1965, the Border Security Force was raised to guard the international border and protect the Indian territorial limits. Before that, the Indian border was guarded by the state police of the concerned states. Force personnel participated shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Army in the 1971 war, played an important role in the launch of an attack by the Indian Army on the Pakistani 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 4 disaster management battalions) from the initial strength of 25 battalions. BSF has a vast experience and glorious history in combating terrorism in Punjab and Kashmir, fighting insurgencies in the northeastern region, and controlling naxalism in Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
During the election and law and order duties, force personnel proved their mettle in dealing with difficult situations.
The Border Security Force is efficiently guarding the borders of Pakistan and Bangladesh, despite different types of challenges and working conditions. Tripura state has 856 km of IB, which is effectively being manned by BSF.
Along with maintaining the 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 contributed to making Tripura a drug-free state. A 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 the above 8, 73,000 Ganja saplings on approximately 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 the need of an hour, BSF extends a helping hand to the border population. The border population is also being made aware of the various schemes of the central government that prove 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. As a step towards protecting the environment, a plantation drive has been actively organised.
BSF is maintaining good relations with its counterpart, Border Guard Bangladesh, and conducting regular interaction at an appropriate level to ensure peace and tranquilly at the 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 the participation of officers, subordinate officers, and other ranks, including a cultural programme. Sh. R. K. Singh, DIG/PSO (officiating IG), conveyed his best wishes and congratulations to the BSF troops, retired BSF personnel, and their families. PRESS RELEASE