57th Raising Day celebrations of Border Security Force
- Union home minister Amit Shah paid tributes to the security forces in the country as he participated in the 57th Raising Day celebrations of the Border Security Forces (BSF).
- The Minister awarded Police Medal for Gallantry to the next of kin of martyrs and serving BSF personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the country and President's Police Medal for outstanding service to serving and retired personnel.
History of BSF
- Till 1965 India’s border with Pakistan were manned by the State Armed Police Battalion. On 09th April, 1965 Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet in Kutch.
- This exposed the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed aggression due to which the Government of India felt the need for a specialized centrally controlled Border Security Force, which would be armed and trained to man the International Border with Pakistan.
- As a result of the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries, the Border Security Force came into existence on 01st Dec 1965, with Shri K F Rustamji as the first chief and founding father.
ROLE OF THE BSF
PEACE TIME
- Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
- Prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.
WAR TIME
- Holding ground in less threatened sectors so long as the main attack does not develop in a particular sector, and it is felt that the local situation is within the capability of the BSF to deal with.
- Protection of vital installations particularly air-fields against enemy commandos/Para troopers or raids.
- Limited aggressive action against Para military or irregular forces of the enemy within the overall plan of the Armed forces.
- Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including raids.
- Acting as guides in an area of responsibility where routes are known.
- Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administered under the control of the Army.
- Guarding of prisoners of war cages.
- Assistance in control of refugees.