A Akhter
Border Security Force BSF, the sentinels of Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, celebrated its 51st Anniversary of Raising Day Thursday. Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir took salute at the Raising Day Parade of BSF.
Border Security Force, the biggest border guarding force in the world, came into existence on the eventful day of 1st December, 1965.
This Force was created as an amalgamation of various State Armed Police Battalions aimed towards a coordinated synergy between the border guarding functions in peace time and fighting the war during the eventuality on both Eastern and Western fronts.
BSF is deployed on Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Line of Control along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.
Border Security Force has proven its credentials during various counter insurgency and anti-militancy operations, internal security duties, natural calamities, adventure and sports activities, human relations and many matters of national importance.
The 553 kms long tough and challenging Indo-Pakistan International Border of Punjab is round the clock guarded by Punjab Frontier of Border Security Force.
In 2016 (till date), BSF troops of Punjab Frontier have maintained excellent alertness and have seized over 219 Kgs heroin, 12 weapons, interdicted six Pak smugglers, two Indian smugglers and apprehended one Pak National and five Bangladeshi Nationals.
In a display of its humanitarian character BSF handed over 15 Pak Nationals to Pakistan Rangers, who had inadvertently crossed the International Border.
Punjab Frontier BSF has been awarded the prestigious MAHARANA PRATAP TROPHY- 2016” for its excellent efforts in Operational, Administrative and Training capabilities during the year.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir took salute at the 51st Raising Day Parade of BSF.
Addressing the gathering, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said that the BSF has foiled several infiltration attempts made on our Western Border since October. Our Forces have also responded effectively to firing from across the border, he added.
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said history is witness to the fact that we have not started any war, but whenever our borders have been violated or any attempt made to cast aspersions on our integrity, we have responded to such threats with all might. Later, addressing the media, the Minister assured that the Government will help the BSF in all its endeavours keeping in view the importance of the borders.
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir commended the BSF for adopting Yoga into its training programme that will help retain sound physical and mental health of its personnel.
On the occasion, the Minister gave away various Awards and Trophies. He also released Prahari Sangini and Borderman magazines. Hansraj Gangaram Ahir also inaugurated Divyang Skill Development Centre to provide training to the Divyang. Earlier, he paid homage to martyrs at BSF memorial.
During the ceremony, two different teams performed Yoga and Malkhamb, in addition to acrobatics displayed by the BSF Camel Contingent.
Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted all Border Security Force, personnel on their Raising Day. In a tweet, he said, the BSF has an exemplary legacy of courage and vital role in keeping the borders safe.