India’s drummer vs Pak dholi

As the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at the Indo-Pakistan border here continues to be a big attraction for tourists from all over India, the Border Security Force (BSF) has added yet another feature to it by hiring a drummer to counter Pakistan’s ‘dholi’ during the 20-minute high-voltage show.

Music is one of the high points of the ceremony enjoyed by thousands of tourists that gather every evening to watch BSF jawans and the Pakistani Rangers outdo each other in the foot-stomping and aggressive postures.

The BSF’s ‘drummer’ has got a pride of place at the terrace of the conference room, with all his drums and gadgets. As soon as the BSF jawans march forward for the ceremony, the drum beats start, adding a gusto to the overall ambience.

As the momentum of the ceremony picks up, the beats of the drum also move towards a crescendo. The beats go in tandem with the marching jawans and the heavy foot stomping. This has not only added colour to the ceremony but also made the entire scenario more electrifying and loud.

Till now, the Pakistani side was using a couple of ‘dholis’, who play the traditional drum ‘dhol’ used during various occasions of celebration in the subcontinent, to add to the impact of the Ranger’s movements. Now, the BSF has positioned its ‘drummer’ to give them a competition.

Talking to HT, BSF DIG MF Farooqui said, “The Retreat ceremony has received enormous attention recently. The drum beats are being used to add colour and make the environment more electrifying. A ‘dhol’ is being played on the Pakistani side. But we have drummer now who has succeeded in achieving greater involvement of the Indian tourists through the drum beats”.

He further said, “We are monitoring this new feature closely and some fine-tuning is done as and when required”.

Drummer Soni Kumar (37), who plays for the BSF, says, “The drum beats have certainly added to the already high voltage ceremony. As soon as the BSF jawans start their movements, I first play a marching beat and later beats are played in consonance with various steps of our troops”.

He said, “Certainly, this a great experience for me as well. I have been told that the ceremony has become louder ever since the drums have been added”.

A LOOK AT BORDER PILLAR

In yet another feature to Retreat ceremony, the BSF now allows all the tourists reaching the ceremony area to see the border pillar that is adjacent to the Indo-Pakistan joint check-post. Earlier, only selected tourists were allowed to do so but now one spots a lot of people coming to see the border pillar. Pakistani nationals also come to have a look at the pillar.

Besides, the BSF also plays audios in Hindi and English that inform the tourists about the history of the ceremony.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/chandigarh/india-s-drummer-vs-pak-dholi/article1-1230307.aspx

BSF to provide special shoes to jawans at Attari

AMRITSAR: Border Security Force (BSF) has dropped the plan to rubberize nearly 100 feet long road stretch at Attari, where BSF personnel perform the synchronized daily drill with jawans of Pak Rangers during the flag lowering ceremony.

The personnel will be provided specially fabricated shoes to reduce the impact of stomping during the ceremony. The troops often complain about brain and knee injuries due to the stomping of their heavy shoes on hard road while performing the drill.

"We are not rubberizing the stretch but will provide specially fabricated shoes made with a particular material to protect jawans from any injuries," said BSF inspector general, frontier, A K Tomar.

The exercise, during which the soldiers exchange fiery glances, tweak moustaches, raise legs up to shoulder level, jerk heads and arms, draws droves of Indian and Pakistani tourists on both the sides of the border.

Tomar said BSF had talked to shoe technologists as well as manufacturers and now the trials are being held before providing them to the jawans.

BSF's earlier plan was to rubberize the road but that would not have given the desired effect so the officials decided to lay wooden slabs covered by rubberized material. "That too would not have worked for long, the road could get damage due to movement of passenger buses, so we decided to replace the shoes," said Tomar.

In the past, the BSF had also taken an initiative to do away with the aggressive gestures and shoulder high kicks as one of the preventive measures but the idea was not accepted by Pak Rangers.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/BSF-to-provide-special-shoes-to-jawans-at-Attari/articleshow/36594124.cms

CISF prepares to become NSG substitute for VIP security

In an apparent indication of the thinking within the ministry of home affairs (MHA) that VIP security should be gradually moved away from NSG, the country's elite counterterror force, CISF is strengthening its VIP protection unit to become the premier agency in the sector in near future. There are already efforts being made to increase manpower in the unit with MHA considering a proposal for the same.

CISF DG Arvind Ranjan said he has asked MHA to sanction more number of personnel in the unit. At the same time, rigorous training is being provided to personnel in the unit with help from NSG and armed forces trainers. CISF is regularly holding joint exercises with NSG to adopt best practices in VIP security from the force.

Ranjan said, "We are aiming to make CISF the best force for VIP security. We want to create a sense of security in the minds of VIPs so that they have no hesitation taking CISF security."

 Importantly, VIPs are known to demand NSG security, also known as Black Cat commandoes, as VIP cover as it is the best trained force in the country. However, NSG was not created for VIP security but to counter terror attacks. There have been various voices raised from within the force and the security establishment that NSG must be divested of VIP security duties and focus on its core competence.

Incidentally, Ranjan headed NSG before he was made CISF chief. Speaking to TOI, he said, "We have also asked for a periodic review of strength in our VIP security unit so that the force has optimum strength at any given to provide VIP security."

Sources said the force was also being given unarmed combat training so that when VIPs interact with public and there is sudden unarmed attack, the VIP can be protected without the use of weapons. "Not all times you need to use weapons. Certain situations are best diffused with bare hands," said an officer with the force.

Source: http://defence.pk/threads/cisf-prepares-to-become-nsg-substitute-for-vip-security.319272/

Assam Rifles turns to solar energy in remote locations

Assam Rifles has switched to solar energy to meet several of its power needs. Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd, India’s leading player in the power back-up industry, has installed over 1.3 MW of solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems at various North Eastern locations of Assam Rifles.

The switch to solar energy at various remote Assam rifles base locations in Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram and Assam will help Assam Rifles in bringing down the use of costly and polluting diesel.

Assam Rifles had awarded the project to Su-Kam through Rajasthan Electronics and Instrument Limited (REIL) to supply, install, commission and maintain off-grid solar power systems at various remote locations of its operation.

Out of the 18 sites, 50 kW solar plants have been installed at each of the 10 sites with the remaining 8 sites having an installed capacity of 100 kW each. All the plants have been installed under the subsidy scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) as per Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The installation of solar PV power systems at the remote locations has enabled units of Assam Rifles to save huge money on power bills, besides bringing down carbon emission.

All the solar power plants installed by Su-Kam for Assam Rifles are up and running successfully. Besides other benefits, the solar plants have also resulted in providing employment to the local personnel. They have been trained in installation, commissioning and upkeep of the solar power plants.

Source: http://www.energynext.in/assam-rifles-turn-solar-energy-remote-locations/

CISF is recruiting for 1,203 vacant posts in 2014

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has invited applications for recruitment to the post of Constables/Drivers. Interested and eligible candidates are required to apply for the vacancy on or before July 19, 2014.

Vacancy details:

Constable/ Driver - Direct (Backlog vacancies): 743 posts

Constable/ Driver - Ex-Servicemen (Backlog vacancies): 308 posts

Constable/ Driver - Direct (Current vacancies): 137 posts

Constable/ Driver - Ex-Servicemen (Current vacancies): 15 posts

Total number of posts: 1,203 Posts

Pay Scale: Rs 5,200-20,200 + AGP Rs 2000 per month plus usual and admissible allowances.

Eligibility criteria:

The applicants should have completed Matriculation or equivalent qualification from a recognised Board. The candidates should also possess a valid driving licence for Heavy Motor Vehicle or Transport Vehicle, Light Motor Vehicle and Motor cycle with gear.

The age of the candidate should be between 21-27 years as on July 19, 2014. Age relaxation is applicable as per rules.

Application fee:

The candidates have to pay an application fee of Rs 50 in the form of Postal Order drawn in favor of authority to whom the application is addressed, payable at respective office at the location.

Candidates belonging to the SC/ST and Ex-Servicemen category are exempted from payment of fee.

Selection process:

The candidates will be selected for recruitment to the advertised posts on the basis of their performance in eligibility test, physical efficiency test, trade test and written test, medical examination and final selection.

How to apply:

Interested and eligible candidates are required to submit the duly filled application form along with DD, recent passport size photograph duly self-attested and attested copies of all required certificates / documents to the concerned DIG.

The envelope containing application form should be super scribed 'Application for the post of constable/ driver in CISF- 2014'.

Important dates:

Last date for receipt of application forms: July 19, 2014

Last date for receipt of application forms for North-East region: July 26, 2014

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/education/story/cisf-is-recruiting-for-1203-vacant-posts-2014/1/366487.html

CRPF to honour ‘Juliet’, the female canine for saving troops

On Wednesday, the female canine dug out electric wires of a 20-kg IED hidden at a depth of 2 feet

The CRPF, in a rare instance, has decided to accord one of its highest service honours to an infantry patrol dog whose quick action saved the lives of many troops during an anti-Naxal operation in Odisha.

The female canine, named Juliet, is a Belgian Shepherd Malinois and is the cousin of the breed of canines that reportedly assisted the elite U.S. Navy Seals in sniffing out Osama bin Laden from his safe haven in Pakistan in May 2011. CRPF chief Dilip Trivedi announced a Director General (DG) Commendation Disc, usually awarded to serving personnel and officers for either accomplishing a daredevil task or rendering exceptional service, to Juliet.

The latest episode occurred on Wednesday when Juliet was out for duty in the jungles of Keonjhar district of Odisha.

After about 8-km of patrol, a senior official said, and the squad reached the notorious ‘Sal Ghati’ under Daitri police station area when Juliet diligently began sniffing a mound of earth lying near the dirt track.

Her handler, Constable Zale Singh, goaded her as she promptly dug out the electric wires of a hidden 20-kg IED buried 2-feet deep, which was also fitted with detonators and torch cells for activation.

The patrol squad was immediately alerted by the scout officer, the official said, after which the IED was sanitised.

The bomb disposal team was then called into diffuse the deadly bomb which, once activated, would have claimed many lives.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/crpf-to-honour-juliet-for-saving-troops/article6108545.ece

Medical Officer Jobs in BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles, June 2014

Applications are invited from Indian Citizens for appointment to Group ‘A’ post of (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Specialist Medical Officers (Deputy Commandant) and Medical Officers (Assistant Commandant) in Central Police Forces:

Specialist Medical Officer (Deputy Commandant): 218 posts in various CAPFs in various medical disciplines (CRPF-123, BSF-57, ITBP-12, Assam Rifles – 6, SSB-20), 

Pay Scale:  Rs.15600 – 39100/- Grade pay Rs.6600/- plus 25% NPA, Age: 40 years.

Medical Officer (Assistant Commandant): 390 posts in various CAPFs (CRPF-94, BSF-74, ITBP-138, Assam Rifles – 35, SSB-49),

Pay Scale:  Rs.15600 – 39100/- Grade pay Rs.5400/-, Age: 30 years.

Dental Surgeon (Assistant Commandant): 01 post in SSB,

Pay Scale:  Rs.15600 – 39100/- Grade pay Rs.5400/-, Age: 35 years.

How to Apply: Application in the prescribed format should be sent within 30 days of the advertisement (published on 07/06/2014) i.e. up to 06/07/2014. (Last date is 21/07/2014 for the candidates of Far – flung areas)

For complete detail of the advertisement for information like selection process, eligibility criteria, how to apply, certificates to attach with application form and Application Form, please view http://www.bsf.nic.in

ITBP confirms recovery of one more body from River Beas in Mandi

Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), June 11 (ANI): As the rescue operations in Mandi continue, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) commandant Laxman Yadav confirmed here on Wednesday that rafters have recovered a sixth body from the River Beas.

The team had recovered five bodies from the river yesterday and rescue operations are on in full swing.

Telangana Home Minister Naini Narsimha Reddy said, "It was decided in the review meeting yesterday, that the rescuers will go to the Larji Dam (in Mandi) to see if anyone is stuck there or not. So, according to that, the operation has started from here to see if anyone is in deep waters here. We are also trying to increase the strength (of rescuers) according to what was decided in the meeting."

"I called up MP Jitender Reddy and deputy leader Vinod, they both will be meeting Rajnath Singh and will try to involve the military in this with the latest equipments. The disaster management team has also left for the location with their cameras to search for people stuck in the water."

ITBP Deputy Commandant Kamal said, "We are trying to search every corner, but the main problem we are facing is that the water is not clear, it has silt due to which there is no proper visibility, but we have ankles so that if we feel any body we can take it out and we hope to trace something by the evening."

At least 25 people drowned in flash floods in the River Beas in Mandi on Sunday. The water of the dam was allegedly released without prior warning. (ANI)

CISF to check all vehicles leaving airport as sacked airline staffer steals SUV

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has started checking all vehicles going out of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The development comes after a recent incident in which a Bolero belonging to a private airline was allegedly stolen by a ex-employee, who had been sacked.

CISF is entrusted with the security of most of airports in the country.

Airport officials said that while they always check vehicles entering the facility, they were keeping an eye on those going out. However, they have now decided to increase the vigil. "All vehicles entering or leaving the premises are being checked," said CISF spokesperson Hemendra Singh.

Officials said a vehicle theft was reported in March. Opon inquiry, they found involvement of a former employee of a private carrier – Rajkumar, alias Raja Kondiba Jadhav. Investigators also learnt that 29-year-old Jadhav had been fired for persistent absenteeism a few days ago.

It was found that Jadhav, who had not returned his identity card and entry pass, allegedly entered the airside area and fled away with a Bolero without being checked or questioned.

Similarly, a few years ago, a truck was reported to have been stolen from inside the airport.

The questions over security at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has often been raised in the past, which, as one of the busiest airports in the country, has been under constant radar for terror elements.

BSF sets up 2 camps along Chattisgarh border

KORAPUT: With Maoists trying to strengthen their base along Odisha-Chhattisgarh border in Nabarangpur district, the BSF recently established two permanent camps to boost its ongoing anti-extremist operations.

"Maoists regularly infiltrate into the state from neighbouring Chhattisgarh due to absence of any permanent security camp on the boundary. Based on specific intelligence inputs we conducted operations, but it was not sufficient. After the camp, regular operation could be carried out and movement of Maoists checked," said SP (Nabarangpur) Brajesh Roy.

He said at least one company of the BSF will be deployed at each of the two camps at Kundai and Raighar.

Once considered a Maoist-free zone, Nabarangpur district is witnessing a spurt in rebel activities along the border.

Members of CPI (Maoist), Chhattisgarh unit, have found safe haven in the forests close to the Chhattisgarh-Odisha border in Nabarangpur's Chandahandi, Raighar, Kundai, Dabugaon and Umerkote blocks that share boundary with Raipur, Bastar and Dhamantari districts of the neighbouring state.

The outlawed organization's Mainpur divisional committee operates in the area and according to intelligence inputs the Red rebels are trying to build a militia group to strike terror in the district.

Police sources said the dense forests of Sitamadi, Hatigaon and Haldi, covering a stretch of around 200 km in length and 40 km in width, lies along the border, providing safe passage to the extremists. While 80% of the forest is in Chhattisgarh, the remaining lie in Nabarangpur.

"In recent times, we have strengthened our presence in the border areas and are determined to contain Maoist activities. The developments are being closely monitored. Operations will be intensified in the days to come," the SP said.

In 2010, Maoists had blown up Kundai police station. Two years later, they gunned down the then Umerkote MLA Jagabandhu Majhi at a weekly market at Gona under Raighar police limits.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Bhubaneswar/BSF-sets-up-2-camps-along-Cgarh-border/articleshow/36333117.cms

India to fortify defence along China border, 50 new ITBP posts being planned in Arunachal Pradesh

In a major step to fortify defences along the China border, over 50 new border posts are being planned for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Official sources said a proposal for creating 54 modern posts for the ITBP is under consideration of the Union Home Ministry after the border guarding force recently submitted a proposal in this regard.

“The Home Ministry has in principle given its nod for the proposal which is being processed,” the sources said.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a total of 1,126 km of its international border with China, second in length after Jammu and Kashmir which has a 1,597 km long frontier with India’s eastern neighbour.

As part of modernisation and better border management planning of Indian security mechanism along this border, prone to a spate of incursions, the posts will be, under the proposal, equipped with all the basic gadgets that the troops require to position themselves at these icy heights.

“The new border posts will be solar powered and have space to not only accommodate the regular ITBP guards but also to house a small squad of reinforcements in case of emergencies. The posts will have satellite phone connectivity,” the sources said.

At present, India has 142 border posts along this 3,488 km long frontier with other Border States being Himachal Pradesh (200 km), Uttarakhand (345 km) and Sikkim (220 km).

Arunachal Pradesh, at present, has close to 30 ITBP border posts but a need has been felt to bolster the presence of the paramilitary men in order to meet border challenges and future commitments, they said.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/govt-to-fortify-defences-along-china-border-to-go-in-for-54-new-itbp-border-posts-in-arunachal/

CRPF ASKS FOR RS 1,100 CRORE AS STATE’S SHARE

With the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) facing a tough time due to acute drainage of resources, it has slapped a bill of whopping Rs 1,100 crore on the Odisha Government to pay its share of expenses for the security duties.

While the State Government is asking for more battalions of Central paramilitary forces to handle the Maoist menace, the CRPF authorities have demanded this huge payment.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been opposing such move by the CRPF on the plea that it is a joint effort by the State and Centre to combat the threat of internal security by the Leftwing Extremists (LWE)s.

While the Union Government deploys Army Battalions in Jammu & Kashmir, it never slaps any pay-up slips for security duties, why the CRPF is allowed to ask for funding from other States, wondered a senior State Government official.

Odisha is having 17 battalions of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPF) consisting CRPF, CoBRA and BSF deployed in the Maoist regions. The State is asking for more Central forces on the borders of Chhattisgarh.

Two additional battalions of CAPF are required for matching deployment in Nuapada, Bargarh and Balangir districts and effective anti-Maoist Operations. But the CRPF authorities have been sending constant reminders for payment to be made through the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The State Government feels that it has hardly any scope to pay the amount as the Union Government has been sending the CAPF without any such prior stipulations, said a senior State officer.

However sources in the CRPF said the States are supposed to pay 60 per cent of the expenditure incurred and they are just not fulfilling their commitments, for which the CRPF is facing acute shortage of funds to carry on its jobs.

Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/crpf-asks-for-rs-1100-crore-as-states-share.html

BSF to sensitise troopers along India-Bangladesh border

BSF Director General D.K. Pathak has asked the commanders and top officials of the force to sensitise troopers and maintain close relations with people living near the India-Bangladesh border to prevent unwarranted incidents, an official said here Monday.

The Border Security Force (BSF) chief reviewed the security situation along the boundary during a meeting with top officials, sector and battalion commanders here Sunday. Pathak visited Tripura in the wake of recent incidents along the border. BSF trooper Sandip Kumar, 28, and villager Ismail Mia, 70, were killed in a clash between the border guards and villagers along the boundary in Tripura. Eleven people were injured in the incident Friday night at Akhaurah check post on the outskirts of the state capital Agartala.

The Tripura government has ordered a magisterial probe into the incident. "The BSF DG has asked the sector and battalion commanders to sensitise the jawans and other field officials to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Keeping close relations between the BSF and people would be the priority for the force," BSF Deputy Inspector General Bhaskar Rawat told IANS, citing the force chief. Muslim organisations held protest rallies here Saturday over the incident.

BSF's Inspector General of Tripura frontier B.N. Sharma has met the leaders of the Muslim organisations and assured them to take steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future. BSF Deputy Commandant Jeevan Kumar was lynched by the Bangladeshi smugglers accompanied by the security personnel of that country a few years back while the official was patrolling along the Akhaurah check post. Tripura shares a 856-km border with Bangladesh that is porous because it extends over densely forested mountains. Over 25 to 30 percent of the border is still unfenced. Congested human habitations along both sides of the border often create security-related problems.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/bsf-to-sensitise-troopers-along-india-bangladesh-border-1563125.html?utm_source=ref_article

Karachi aftermath: Delhi Police, CISF raise security at IGIA

Security at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi has been tightened following a terrorist attack on Pakistan's largest airport in Karachi in which at least 28 people, including 10 terrorists, were killed. "Security measures have been increased as per Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Joint patrolling by Delhi Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel are being carried out.

Security personnel have also been asked to be more cautious during checking and frisking of passengers," a senior Delhi Police officer said.

Security has been beefed up at both the terminals of the IGIA, the largest airport in the country, while additional barricades have been set up on roads leading to the airport and vehicles are being randomly checked. While Delhi Police is responsible for the outer most security ring at the airport, around 3,000 CISF personnel are responsible for its internal security.

CISF is also on alert and the men have been asked to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for any suspicious activity, an official said. In a brazen attack last night, heavily armed Pakistani Taliban militants launched a major assault on Pakistan's largest airport in Karachi in which at least 28 people, including 10 terrorists, were killed before security forces today eventually regained control over the key facility.

The militants attacked the Jinnah International Airport late last night, resulting in a six-hour gun battle with security forces involving army, paramilitary Rangers, police and Airport Security Force. Explosions and gunfire rang out as the attackers wearing military uniforms and suicide vests, and armed with grenades and rocket launchers attacked the airport in Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and financial hub.

Source: http://www.firstpost.com/india/karachi-aftermath-delhi-police-cisf-raise-security-at-igia-1562489.html?utm_source=ref_article

CRPF-police ‘distrust’ hobbles anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh

An alleged distrust between the Central Reserve Police Force and the Chhattisgarh Police may be coming in the way of anti-Maoist operations in the State.

A CRPF officer posted in Sukma district says the force faces problems at various levels from sharing of intelligence to execution of operations.

“There have been rare instances when movements of the CRPF were leaked from the police station,” the officer says on condition of anonymity.

“How can the Maoists be ready with ambush if they don’t know our movements in advance?” wonders a commander of the Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) of the CRPF.

Another senior officer says a large posse of the State police should accompany the CRPF for patrolling or operations. “But hardly we get the assistance of a man or two,” he says.

‘Superiority complex’

A senior police officer, however, says: “The CRPF personnel have a superiority complex since they are a central force, but the fact is that they are here to assist us.”

A senior CRPF officer’s riposte is that his men have a superiority complex “because they are better trained and well equipped.”

Recounting alleged instances of the CRPF’s “rude behaviour”, a former top police officer says: “When the SP of Rajnandgaon was killed in a Maoist attack, the CRPF waited for six hours for orders from their officers. In Tadmetla, when 75 CRPF jawans were killed, the CRPF based in Chintalnar refused entry to the SPOs [Special Police Officers] sent for their protection.”

“We never depend on the CRPF to carry out some special operations,” says a group leader of the SPO, now named the State Auxiliary Force. The CRPF suffers heavy casualties as it panics when trapped, he adds.

The distrust is not limited to the ground level.

When 11 CRPF men were killed in an ambush at Tahakwada in March, Inspector-General, CRPF, H.S. Siddhu publicly criticised the State police’s top brass for denying permission for an operation in the same area earlier.

Mr. Siddhu and Director-General of Police A.N. Upadhay, however, deny any problems between the two forces.

“We have good relations with the State police and if a problem arises, we discuss and solve it with the DGP,” says Mr. Siddhu.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/crpfpolice-distrust-hobbles-antimaoist-operations-in-chhattisgarh/article6095568.ece

Damaged Barbed Fencing on Indo-Pak Border being replaced by BSF

To prevent infiltration and flow of arms, ammunition and drugs from the Pakistani side, the Indian authorities are replacing damaged barbed wire fences along the international border, BSF DIG (Gurdaspur sector) N K Mishra said here today.

The barbed wire fences, erected along the Indo-Pak border in Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur districts of Punjab during the days of militancy in the eighties, were damaged due to flood and other reasons, Mishra said.

The damaged fencing is being replaced in the periphery that falls in Gurdaspur sector, where it gets affected due to flood in rivers and their tributaries, he said.

The border area of Gurdaspur sector is 116-km long from Jammu to Ajnala in Amritsar district, and is mostly riverine area of Ravi, he said.

Moreover, earlier the fencing was erected on soil which worn out over time, now the barbed wire is being erected on concrete base. The concrete base would be 12-ft high and eight feet wide, he said, adding that the work was being executed by the Central Public Works Department.

The replacing of damaged barbed wire on the international border would not only further strengthen the external security of the country, but also help farmers living on the borders protect their crops from animals across the fence, he added.

Mishra said there are well-lit barbed wire fencing, flood light backed by sound and other devices, thermal imagers, and other equipment installed, along with manual patrolling, in sensitive gaps to ensure that no infiltration takes place from across the border.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/BSF-Replacing-Damaged-Barbed-Fencing-on-Indo-Pak-Border/2014/06/05/article2264847.ece

SSB organizes football match with Press Club on World Environment Day

KOKRAJHAR, June 5: Synchronizing with the observation of World Environment Day today, the 16th Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Kokrajhar organized various activities in the battalion headquarters as well as in its BOP/Company. The SSB also organized plantation of saplings in the battalion headquarters and BOP to maintain the pollution free environment.

The SSB which is guarding the border with Nepal and Bhutan planted trees involving the local people of all walks of life. The villagers including students took part in the plantation of trees along with the jawans of the 16th Bn SSB. The SSB has been able to build up the faith and understanding with the civil society. Besides, they could have augmented the popularity with various welfare activities with the help of national development projects.

Besides, on the occasion of World Environment Day, a friendly football match was organized in the Bn Headquarters at Adabari, Kokrajhar with Kokrajhar Press Club. The 16th Bn SSB won the match with 3 – 1 goals. The football match was very tough for each other as both the team played very radiantly. During the handing over of winner trophy, the President of Kokrajhar Press Club, A Basumatary dwelt on the necessity of conservation of nature for pollution free environment and participation of media fraternity in protection and conservation of forest and its wealth. He also called upon the media–persons to co–operate with each other i.e. force personnel and civil.

The winning trophy was handed over to the 16th Bn SSB by the Second–in–Command (Medical), 16th Bn SSB Dr KD Singh in presence of Deputy Commandant Arun Deogam. Both the officers also inaugurated the plantation of saplings in the BOP and Bn Headquarters. Deogam was also part of friendly football match who played competently.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/state1/story.php?sec=2&subsec=2&id=193959&dtP=2014-06-06&ppr=1

27 Assam Rifles celebrated World Environment Day

SILCHAR, June 5: On the occasion of World Environment Day, troops of 27 Assam Rifles, Labac and Harinagar camp organised a tree plantation programme today. The sapling have been planted in Dewan Tea Estate School, Pearsion Inst ME School Diwan, Diwan Group LP School, Diwan group High School and Diwan Group Hospital under Lakhipur sub–division in Cachar. The main motive of the programme was to create awareness among the students and populace about the environment.

The deputy commandant JS Mallik said that it was the duty of the school concerned to take care of these trees which have been planted. He stressed on the importance of the environment day and said that plantation of trees help in maintaining the ecological balance of the earth.

He further said that trees should be treated like a child and due care should be taken for their growth and development and this will surely benefit the coming generation and environment in general.

Meanwhile, to commemorate the “World Environment Day” the Haflong based HQ 22 Sector Assam Rifles conducted extensive “Tree Plantation Drive” programme at Sarkari Bagan in Dima Hasao district. The programme was inaugurated by the Director Inspector General, Headquarters 22 Sector Assam Rifles. The plantation drive started at 09.00 am up to 11.00 am. A total of approximate 500 saplings were planted during the drive. Active participation of children, ladies and troops of Headquarters 22 Sector Assam Rifles was notable feature. Such initiative not only spread a message of society building but also spread awareness on the importance of tree plantation and a healthy environment.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/cachar/story.php?sec=2&subsec=12&id=193938&dtP=2014-06-06&ppr=1

ITBP making arrangements for Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Border

Home Minister Rajnath Singh will soon visit border areas of the country to learn about the existing ground realities.

Singh reportedly wants to visit the Indo-China border and has told this to the chief of the forces. The paramilitary has now been asked to make arrangements for Singh's visit to the border terrains.

As the Union minister is eager to visit Indo-China borders first, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards India's borders with China, is making arrangements for Singh's visit to Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. ITBP guards Indo-China border from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu La in Arunachal Pradesh, a distance of 2,488 km.

Some terrains in the borders with China are said to be inaccessible, even aerially. Considering this, and keeping in view the recent aggressive moves by China in the border areas, the new Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to improve road connectivity and other required infrastructure to strengthen the country's border security system.

Many posts in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh border areas are said to be very remote. The forces walk for miles for about 10-21 days to reach some of these areas and have to battle with treacherous terrain in dense forests.

"The home minister can be flown to Ladakh and Leh but several parts of Arunachal Pradesh would be inaccessible even aerially. Also, rain is round the corner and navigating in such weather to the Arunachal is a difficult task," The Times of India quoted an ITBP officer.

The border police feel that Singh's visit to the difficult terrain will help the government understand how underdeveloped the area is and in what condition the forces guard the borders. There will be much scope to push infrastructure projects, especially roads, in the region.

The other key border area for India is on Bangladesh-side, which is currently safeguarded by the Border Security Force (BSF). Singh is said to be keen to visit the country's eastern borders with Bangladesh as the BJP-led NDA government has taken a tough stand against illegal immigration into India. The Home Minister is said to be concentrating on these illegal straying of Bangladeshi citizens.

BSF hopes that the Minister's visit to Indo-Bangladesh borders will help the government take a clear stand on the land boundary agreement and border fencing with the neighboring country.

Gallantry awards for ITPB personnel’s role in Afghanistan Attack

Three Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel hailing from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will be awarded the President’s Police Gallantry medal for thwarting the suicide attack on the Indian consulate in Herat in Afghanistan on May 23.

Sources in the MHA revealed that Inspector Manjit Singh from Sonepat in Haryana, Constable Rakesh Kumar from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh and Constable Praveen Kumar from Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand were at the forefront in neutralising the suicide attack by the Taliban militia.

In what is touted as the fourth major fidayan attack on the Indian missions in recent times, four Tali ban suicide attackers tried to force entry into the Indian consulate at Herat at about 3.30am on May 23, by launching a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) over its wall. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the four suicide attackers were supported by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist outfit active in south Asia, operating primarily from Pakistan, sources in the MHA said.

Constables Rakesh and Praveen, who stood guard at the consulate’s entrance, returned the fire killing one of the attackers on the spot. Meanwhile, inspector Manjit also reached the spot and instructed the ITBP troops to neutralise the remaining three attackers. They were later killed in the exchange of fire between the two groups which lasted till noon.

Deputy commandant Vivek Kumar Pandey, spokesman of the ITBP, said the director general of police (DGP), ITBP, decided to recommend names of five personnel to the MHA for the medal. He added, “The DG has sought two more names from Herat, of the ITBP personnel who killed the attackers.”

ITBP will train Royal Bhutan Police dogs

As a goodwill gesture, India has decided to train five special sniffer dogs for the Royal Bhutan Police at the famed canine training centre of paramilitary force ITBP.

Officials said the Chandigarh-based dog training centre of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police will train five sniffer and tracker dogs for the police force of that country after a request was made by the authorities in this regard.

The ITBP dog training centre has been declared as the centre of excellence in this domain. The dog breeds, which will be trained to aid police personnel in counter-narcotics and anti-sabotage tasks in Bhutan, will be drawn from the local Labrador and German Shepherd breeds and they will form the first elite squad of sniffer dogs for the Royal Bhutan police trained for specific tasks, a senior official said.

This is the first time that any Indian police dog training centre has been entrusted with such a job which involves diplomatic relations. The entire exercise is a goodwill gesture for the neighbours and there are no costs involved, the official said.

The dogs are expected to be trained for about 2-3 months and then they would be handed over to the authorities of the Royal Bhutan Police. The ITBP is credited with having successfully introduced the first-ever breed of 'Malinois' dogs to assist troops during patrolling in Naxal-affected states of the country.

The credibility of the ITBP dog squad can be gauged from the fact that they were specially called in recently by security agencies to sanitise the swearing-in ceremony venue of the new cabinet at Rashtrapati Bhavan forecourt and also to sweep the hotels and venues where leaders from SAARC countries were staying prior to meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ITBP is mandated to secure the 3,488-km long Sino-Indian frontier.

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/itbp-to-train-royal-bhutan-police-dogs-1558173.html?utm_source=ref_article

Read more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/itbp-to-train-royal-bhutan-police-dogs-1558173.html?utm_source=ref_article

SWAT and CRPF's Cobra Force engaged in gun battle with Garo militants

Shillong An encounter was underway on Thursday between security forces and Garo militants responsible for the gruesome killing of a tribal woman after molestation and attempted rape, in South Garo Hills district in Meghalaya.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Home Minister Roshan Warjri assured 'justice' to members of the bereaved family of the woman. "All efforts are being made to ensure that justice is delivered to members of the bereaved family especially to the father and children who are going through a tough time after the shootout in the premises of their home," Warjri said.

He also reviewed the security scenario in the entire Garo Hills region at Tura, the headquarters of Garo Hills division taking into consideration activities of the militant groups.

The encounter followed an operation launched in the Durama hills range across the Simsang River where 40 to 50 militants of the Garo National Liberation Army were holed up in a camp, Inspector General of Police G H P Raju said.

At the time of going to press, commandos of Swift Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and CRPF's Cobra Force were engaged in the encounter.

The Centre had on Wednesday rushed five companies each of BSF and CRPF to Meghalaya to assist the state government in maintaining law and order.

The security forces were sent at the request of Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

The Garo militants shot dead a 35-year-old tribal woman, a mother of four, with an assault rifle splitting her head in two claiming her to be a police informer after she resisted their attempts at molestation and rape in Raja Rongat village on June 3.

The GNLA in a statement had denied that the woman was molested or raped and said that she was 'executed' as she was a 'police informer'.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and MoS (Home) Khiren Rijiju had on Wednesday sought a detailed report of the horrific killing.

"We urge the Central Government to extend their full support in terms of manpower and other resources in view of the challenges posed by the mushrooming of militant outfits," Joint Home secretary V R Syiem said in the report sent to the Centre.

"There are reports that an encounter is going on between the militants and the police. I only hope this is not a fake encounter, because very often, in Meghalaya, we have witnessed fake encounters where innocent people have been killed. The culprits as they have already been identified should be arrested and punished. “Said senior leader PA Sangma.

Condemning the act, he appealed to the people to be calm and maintain peace. "The incident that took place yesterday is a horrible incident, I have condemned that already, and I appeal to the people to be very calm," added Sangma.

Source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com/News/India/Gun-battle-erupts-between-Garo-rebels-security-men/articleshow/36113863.cms

CRPF plants 1,000 saplings in Delhi on World Environment Day

Paramilitary force CRPF has planted 1,000 saplings in the national capital to mark the World Environment Day today.

The plantation drive was undertaken by the 46th battalion of the force deployed here.

"The drive was undertaken in Mayur Vihar and neighbouring areas where the force personnel live. A total of 1,000 saplings have been planted by our staff in the last few days," Central Reserve Police Force Commanding Officer Sudhir Kumar said.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/world-environment-day-crpf-plants-1-000-saplings-in-delhi-114060501445_1.html

Amarnath Yatra Inspector General of Police takes stock of preparedness

JAMMU, June 5:  Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting of officers of intelligence agencies,  CRPF, BSF, Army, Police, Armed/IRP, Traffic, Security, SDRF and civil administration in Zonal Police Hqrs here to take stock of the preparedness  for smooth and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2014.

Intelligence agencies briefed the chair about their assessment on security and law & order situation and also highlighted the areas of concern based on available inputs as well as based on past experiences that need more focus for enhancing the security and law and order measures during the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra.

DIG Traffic, concerned District SPs, SP Security and CO SDRF also briefed the chair about their preparedness and highlighted areas of concerns which need to be taken care by all the concerned stake-holders at ground level for better management of yatra.

IGP exhorted concerned officers to take note of the highlighted areas of concerns and make concerted efforts to improve upon these areas. He emphasised on enhanced vigil and security in coordinated manner besides the need for proper regulation of Yatra convoys on NHW, provision of basic amenities at Lodgement Centre and wide publicity through print and electronic media educating people to undertake their pilgrimage only on the dates as per their registration to avoid inconvenience. He asked all the District SPs and officers from CRPF and Armed  Police to sensitize their officers and men being deployed on Yatra duty that they should be courteous and polite while dealing with Yatris and serve as a guide also.

The officers who attended the meeting include   Narinder Singh, DIG CRPF Jammu (N);    Parveen Kumar Sharma, DIG CRPF Jammu; S.A.Watali, DIG Traffic Jammu; Surinder Kumar Gupta, DIG CID Jammu;   S.A.Beig, DIG JSK Range;   A.K.Atri, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range;   A.Wani, DIG DKR Range; K.L.Bhagat, DIG AP Jammu; K.S.Parihar, Addl. Deputy Commissioner Jammu;   Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism Jammu; Jt. Director Information Jammu, A.K.Wangoo, Dy Director Fire Services Jammu. Atul Goel,  SSP Jammu;   Sham Sunder Sharma, SSP APCR Jammu;   S.D.P.Singh, SSP Telecom Jammu, M.Suleman Choudhary, SP Udhampur;   Anil Mangotra, SP Samba;   Virender Sharma,  SP CID SB Jammu; S.J.S.Johar, SP PCR Jammu;   Javed Mattoo, SP Ramban;   Mubassir Latifi, SP Rajouri;   Vivek Gupta, SP Reasi;   Ramesh Angral, SP Security Jammu;    Shailender Singh, SP CID CI Jammu;      Mohan  Lal, SP Kathua;  Shri Shamsheer Hussain, SP Poonch; Shri M.S.Chouhan, SP Doda;  Pawan Parihar, SP Traffic Rural Jammu; Shri Rakesh Sharma, I/C SO to DIG CRPF;   Stanzin Norboo, CO SP SDRF Jammu,   Ravikant Sharma,   Chander Jeet Singh, SDPO Railway Jammu and Avleen Kour, Information Department.

Source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/igp-takes-stock-preparedness-amarnath-yatra/

BSF will get all-terrain vehicles for patrolling

After successfully countering the designs of anti-national elements, the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to acquire all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for patrolling the Punjab frontier on the Indo-Pak border to curb the increased smuggling of narcotics from across the border.

BSF Inspector-General, Punjab Frontier Ajay Kumar Tomar revealed that a proposal has been sent to BSF Delhi headquarters for clearance. "Once cleared, we will get these vehicles soon. Already BSF is using ATVs in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat," he told newspersons here.

This would be the first time that ATVs would be used in this part of the country.

The BSF is using these unique vehicles that help it monitor 4,000 square kilometres of creeks and marshy lands in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

Sources said with the ATVs, the force will be able to easily patrol the marshy areas and also the small patches of land cut by Ravi and Beas rivers on the border in Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur districts.

Also along the international border as during rainy season the kucha track becomes muddy thus it becomes hard to patrol. Besides these can tackle water-logged terrain of a depth of approximately one-and-a-half feet.

At present, the BSF does patrolling on foot and on horseback and also uses boats to patrol the areas which are cut by rivers.

In some patches, where the road is motorable, jeep patrolling is done.

The BSF has already conducted field trials in three areas-Basti Ram Lal Tapu, DT Mal and New Gazniwala-all in Ferozepur district, and these are low-lying areas close to the 553-km border with Pakistan where the movement of troops becomes difficult during rains and floods.

Now, some trials are expected on the border in Amritsar district.

Due to the fibre body, the vehicle can be easily lifted by five to six persons if stuck in mud.

These vehicles can climb on a gradient of 30 degrees and with tubeless tyres, the ride becomes smooth and facilitates negotiation in marshy, sandy and muddy areas.

The electronic fuel injection pump fitted in these vehicles improves the pick-up of these ATVs.

Sources said the force here needs around 10 ATVs but how many such vehicles were bought would depend upon clearance from the BSF headquarters.

In March and April, security agencies in the state made seizures of drugs worth over Rs 800 crore.

Most of the heroin seizure was made by the BSF along the India-Pakistan border.

BSF has already recovered 243.66 kg of heroin this year while last year the haul was around 322 kg in Punjab.

Source: http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20140603/2403254.html

BSF foils infiltration attempt in Kathua district of J&K

An infiltration attempt from across the international border was foiled by security forces on Tuesday in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir.

There was suspected movement of infiltrators near Zeroline on International Border in Bobiya forward Border Out-post in Hiranagar tehsil during midnight, a senior Border Security Force officer told sources.

Alert troops of BSF challenged them and opened fire following which they returned to the Pakistani side, he said.

During search conducted in the area on Tuesday morning, blood stains were found in the area, he said.

The infiltration bid took place in the ‘most-vulnerable’ Via Tarnah nallah area in Hiranagar sector of Kathua district.

BSF has put border guards along IB on high alert to foil the infiltrations.

Source: http://www.niticentral.com/2014/06/03/jk-bsf-foils-infiltration-attempt-in-kathua-district-230173.html

CISF personnel chooses dog over job, seeks HC's help

KOCHI: A man told to choose between his job and his best friend, a dog named Charlie that he trained, got a reprieve from the Kerala high court on Tuesday when the court issued a stay on his transfer to Imphal, thereby temporarily sparing him from an agonizing separation.

The man who sought the court's intervention to save his friendship with his dog was Baiju Varghese, a head constable working as a dog trainer with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) unit at Cochin International Airport. Charlie is the lead sniffing dog of CISF at the airport.

Baiju had been the handler of Charlie since March 2007. When he got an order transferring him to Imphal in Manipur in January, he submitted a representation to CISF opting for voluntary retirement so as to avoid separation with Charlie.

His representation to CISF's CIAL unit commandant said, "I am totally dedicated to the upkeep of the dog and always keep the dog active for performing sniffing duties. I forget my personal comforts for the upkeep of my dog and never availed any leave since 2007. I am totally emotionally attached to the dog and departing (with) the dog is agonizing me."

Choosing the dog than the job, Baiju sought voluntary retirement from August 31st. However, CISF authorities turned down his plea, stating that "the reason cited for VRS in para two related to agony due to attachment with dog cannot be a justifiable and logical ground for VRS."

Following this, Baiju approached the high court through advocate R Sreeraj. Considering the petition during the admission hearing, Justice PN Ravindran issued a stay on Baiju's transfer order while the court hears the petition.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Kochi/Man-chooses-dog-over-job-seeks-HCs-help/articleshow/36010777.cms

CISF Career Mela

Lecture by SH. ARVIND RANJAN, IPS, DIRECTOR GENERAL

CISF has always tried to take welfare measures to its personnel and their wards. Continuing these efforts, a “Career Mela” was organized on May 4th2014, at CISF North Sector HQrs, Saket under the aegis of “Sanrakshika” (CISF Wives Welfare Association) for the benefit of the wards of CISF personnel, studying in standards IX, X, XI & XII.

Aim of the “Mela” was to make available professional guidance for the teenagers who are in their critical years of education and on the threshold of embarking upon their future careers. Parents were invited to “Mela” so that they can get a clear picture and understanding about further education and the career prospects of their children in its entirety. Around 600 children of Delhi/NCR based units along with their parents attended the “Mela”. The feedback received from them has been very positive. While all benefited from this event, the focus was on those wards who were not academically brilliant, but had other traits/interests which could translate into satisfying and remunerative careers.  A career compendium delineating details of both traditional and non-traditional career choices, useful tips to counter examination stress, approaches to better management of time and resources, helpful websites, help lines etc specifically designed for the CISF children was also released.

Such “Career Melas” are now to be organized under the aegis of “Sanrakshika” units in the bigger units in each Sector within six months so that the children and families of the CISF personnel are benefited in this crucial area .The officers looking after administration and welfare of all DIsG headed units had also been invited to the event to have a firsthand experience of the modalities of organizing similar “Career Melas”.  These officers may be designated as ‘Nodal Officers’ and their services may be utilized while planning such “Career Melas”.

The “Career Mela” needs to be held in a phased manner.

               

(i) In the first phase, the “Mela” may be organized in the bigger units where the children of the employees of the Management may also participate along with the children and families of CISF personnel. This gesture would not only earn the CISF tremendous goodwill vis-à-vis the Management, but also be  value addition to the services being provided by the Force i.e. the CISF will not only provide physical protection and security, but also accommodate a third paradigm of emotional security that would enhance the customer –client connectedness.

(ii) In the second phase, the key component would be liaising with management officials to organize such “Career Melas” under their “Corporate Social Responsibility” (CSR) code for the local populace in and around the PSUs.   The CISF will aid in organizing these events. Resultantly, the CISF would be instrumental in creating an atmosphere of harmony, stability and cohesiveness that would promote industrial growth in the area.

A detailed Action Plan about holding such “Career Melas” in each Sector may be sent to the Welfare Directorate of FHQRs. by June 15th, 2014. It must be kept in mind that this needs to be a continuous process rather than a one-time event.

Source: http://www.cisf.gov.in/carrier-mela/

Kabaddi at CRPF Lamphelpat

Imphal, June 03 2014: Under the aegis of IG MN CRPF, the Inter Battalion (Ops)/GC Imphal Range of CRPF was held on 2nd to 3rd June, 2014 at 143 Bn CRPF Lamphelpat.

Altogether, 7 teams participated in the tournament which saw the emergence of 86 Bn CRPF as winner defeating 69 Bn CRPF by 35-25 points.

The final match and closing ceremony of the tournament was graced by Jayant Paul, commandant of 86 Bn CRPF and R.D.Jeany Anal, commandant 143 Bn CRPF as presidium members.

Source: http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Sport8..040614.jun14

SSB constable wins bronze at Asian Taekwondo Championship

GANGTOK, 02 June: Head Constable Amit Pradhan of Sashastra Seema Bal’s Sector Headquaters here at Gangtok has won a bronze medal in mixed team event (Free Style event) at the 21st Asian Taekwondo Championship and 3rd Asian Taekwondo Poomsae Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan recently, an SSB press release informs. Mr. Pradhan originally hails from Pakhrin basti, South Sikkim

Assam Rifles recovers huge quantity of Ganja & ammunition

Based on specific information regarding presence of individuals with weapons at Forest Colony, Kohima, a well planned joint operation was carried out by 19 Assam Rifles along with troops of HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles which led to the apprehension of Lokesh Kumar Modi, Age – 25 yrs of Jaipur (Rajasthan) and BB Gurung, Age – 50 yrs, resident of Forest Colony, Kohima (Nagaland). The column recovered one Mauser 9mm Pistol, Cash Rs. 2,05,320/-, Driving License, Axis Bank ATM Card and Seven mobile handsets. The apprehende d individuals were handed over to Kohima (South) Police Station for further investigation.

Source:http://www.nagajournal.com/ne-news/assam-rifles-apprehends-two-arms-peddlers/

Herat: Militants went unnoticed as no CCTV cameras on road

It took 44 seconds for the Indo Tibetan Border Police personnel to neutralise the lone militant who managed to sneak in at the Indian consulate building in Afghanistan’s Herat, said a senior official. Due to objections raised by local women, Indian authorities are prohibited from installing CCTV cameras that could have captured images of militants proceeding towards the compound as the attack took place in the early hours on May 23. All the CCTV cameras are installed inside the complex, located in a crowded residential area. It was PTZ camera number 14, facing the internal walls of the compound that captured the leg of the gunman. The ITBP personnel monitoring control room immediately raised an alarm and the intruder was shot dead.

Investigations revealed that the attack was aimed at the office-cum-residence of consul general Amit Mishra as the only shell fired from a rocket propelled grenade launcher landed below his room. The maximum damage, officials said, was to his residence and it seemed they wanted to create a hostage situation as the gunman killed inside the compound had enough ammunition and dry fruits on him to have lasted three-four days. The other three gunmen suspected to belong to Lashkar-e-Toiba were killed by the Afghan security forces.

“The gunmen had taken refuge in a nearby building so they could aim at the consul general’s room. The personnel were asked to sparingly use their ammunition even though the Afghan security personnel managed the situation outside the compound,” said an official.

Following the incident, the Afghan security forces have intensified security around the compound. “Another High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) has been stationed around the compound and the Afghan authorities have increased the number of security personnel,” said a senior official. ITBP has submitted a preliminary report to the MHA on the incident.

When foreign secretary Sujatha Singh visited Afghanistan last week, authorities suggested the consulate building could be shifted to an area away from crowded residential area.

DG ITBP Subhash Goswami, who visited Afghanistan after the attack, said they would recommend President’s Police Medal for Gallantry for the five jawans who thwarted the attack.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/herat-militants-went-unnoticed-as-no-cctv-cameras-on-road/

Security at Indian missions in Afghanistan Herat enhanced

Security measures at Indian missions in Afghanistan have been enhanced with both ITBP and Afghan security forces strenthening the defence mechanisms in the wake of the recent attack on the Consulate in Herat.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) force chief Subhas Goswami, who had recently visited that country for an on-the-spot assessment, said the Indian Embassy in Kabul and four Consulates in Herat, Kandahar, Jalalabad and Mazar-e-Sharif have been brought under heightened security measures right after the attack on May 23.

"We have already strengthened our security and defences at all the missions we are guarding in Afghanistan including at Herat. Some more measures will be deployed soon.

"The Afghan police has already created more pickets and deployed round-the-clock security by mobile police squads outside the Herat consulate," Goswami, who returned from Afghanistan last week, told PTI.

In a related development, discussions were underway for shifting the location of the Consulate in Herat as the present location was not safe.

While the ITBP chief did not comment on it, sources in the security establishment said the possibility of moving the Consulate General of India (CGI) at Herat to a new and safer location was also being mulled and it is the prerogative of the Ministry of External Affairs.

The CGI is currently located in a built-up residential area in Herat.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/security-at-indian-missions-in-afghanistan-enhanced-114060301801_1.html

Mr. S. K. Singhala new IG, SSB in Patna

Mr S K Singhala senior IPS officer of Bihar cadre, has taken over the charge of Inspector General Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Patna.

Mr Singhala would have the responsibility to ensure comprehensive border management on Indo-Nepal International border. Before joining at this office he was Inspector General (OPS & INT) Force Headquarter, SSB, New Delhi and Inspector General SSB Frontier Headquarter Guwahati (Assam).

Mr Singhala has been decorated with Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service, Special Duty Medal, Medal for service in naxal affected areas and DG's Golden Disk.

Source: http://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20140602/2402702.html

Haryana will provide jobs to the kin of Martyrs on Compassionate Grounds

The Haryana Government has decided to grant compassionate assistance through appointment on compassionate grounds in Class III and IV posts to one eligible living spouse or dependent children of martyr of armed forces personnel or para military forces personnel, informed Chief Secretary, SC Choudhary.

A martyr means “a person serving in Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force) or in para-military forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, Assam Rifles, Rapid Action Force etc.) under the Home Ministry on permanent basis and is killed in action in border skirmishes, terrorist attacks or riots and is declared a martyr by Ministry of Defence, Government of India and Ministry of Home Affairs, respectively”.

The eligible family member means dependent son or daughter or wife who is not earning and is fully dependent upon the martyr.

The appointment shall be confined to feeder posts in group C and D category. Such appointments shall be made only on regular basis and against regular sanctioned post. Also, they shall be exempt from the observance of the recruitment through Recruiting Agencies notified by the State.

There shall be no relaxation of any provision of these instructions. However, as a special case, these instructions shall be relaxed only in the cases of children who have become orphan upon the demise of the martyr. The claim of appointment of such orphans shall remain alive till one child of the deceased has attained majority/minimum eligible age for entry into Government service.

These instructions will be come into force with effect from January 1, 2014.

Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/chandigarh/haryana-to-provide-jobs-to-kin-of-martyrs-on-compassionate-grounds.html

82nd Battalion CRPF celebrates its Raising Day

Srinagar, June 2: The 82 battalion of paramilitary CRPF celebrated its 29th Raising Day under the command of Commandant G.D Pandharinath.

A CRPF spokesman told CNS the unit was raised on 1/6/1985 at Rampur (UP) and served various parts of country for maintaining law and order, counter insurgency and anti-Naxal operations. A raising day fair was organized by the unit P. Rajasekaran, IPS, DIG, CRPF, Srinagar North was the chief guest and he inaugurated the raising day fair by cutting the ribbon.

He said various food stall and games stalls as well as quiz competitions were held in the fair. Besides a blood donation camp was also organized by the Battalion.

A memento to the unit was also presented on this occasion by the chief guest. The fair was attended by P.K Singh IG CRPF Srinagar,

Bhupindar Singh, DIGP, RTC Srinagar, K M Yadav, DIGP, CRPF, south, Srinagar, Sandeep Datta, DIGP, CRPF, Chajju Ram DIGP, IGP Office and other senior officers from CRPF and Civil Police.

Source: http://www.thenorthlines.com/newsdet.aspx?q=80629

CRPF and Sansar Chand Trust organize painting contest in Jammu

JAMMU, June 2: Master Sansar Chand Baru Memorial Trust and CRPF Wives Welfare Association, jointly organised painting competition at Bantalab, Group Centre here today.

Director Floriculture, K K Sharma was the chief guest, senior artists N D Jamwal guest of honour while Rozy Dhar, wife of IG CRPF Kuldeep Dhar, the regional president of CRPF Wives Welfare Association (Sanrakshi), presided over the function.

The function commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the chief guest Mr Sharma, Mr Jamwal, Mrs Dhar and IG CRPF besides chairperson of Sansar Chand Baru Memorial Trust, Anuradha Rishi. Several noted artists and parents of the participating children, members of ‘Sanrakshi’ attended the programme. CRPF DIGs, D S Bains and S S Dogra were also present besides other senior officers. Jang S Burman, Subash Anand and Priyanka were the jury members. Senior artists Gokul Dembi performed live art on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, Commanding Officer Manoj Sharma welcomed the chief guest and other guests invited on the occasion. He also spoke on the contributions of Late Master Sansar Chand ji Baru in the field of art and culture of the State. He told that Masterji’s daughter Anuradha Rishi has now resolved to carry forward the mission of her great farther.

N D Jamwal described in detail about his association with the Master ji and his life and contributions in the field of art. He also referred to the forms of art and its importance in the society and the coming generations. He said real tributes to Master ji would be to carry forward his mission.  Noted social activist Raj Bharti also spoke on the occasion.

The chief guest K K Sharma lauded the efforts of CRPF and Master Sansar Chand Baru Memorial Trust for organising this programme for exploring hidden talent of the children. IG CRPF Mr Dhar presented the concluding remarks and extended gratitude to the chief guest and other invitees. Mrs Anuradha also highlighted the mission of this Trust, holding its maiden programme here today. She sought support of all the artists and art lovers.

About 78 children from KV Bantalab and Gandhi Nagar, Viraj School for street children Nagrota and CRPF camp participated in the painting contest on the theme- ‘Save Environment Save Earth’. In senior category, Gaurav was adjudged Ist, Namrata Sahu second while Vaishali third. In junior group, Saimera stood first, Yashtika second while Priyanshi- third.   The prizes were distributed among the winners by the chief guest, Rozy Dhar, Anuradha, Ruchi Rautela and N D Jamwal. The certificates of participation were also distributed among them. D S Bisht, secretary, RCWA presented vote of thanks.

Source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/crpf-sansar-chand-trust-organize-painting-contest/

Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup man surrenders to CRPF

Imphal, June 02 2014: A self-styled 2nd Lieutenant of the banned underground outfit Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) today laid down arms and surrendered to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The surrendered cadre identified as Loitongbam Indrajit Meetei alias Suraj, s/o L Singabi Meetei of Lakhinagar Ward No.1, Golaghat, Assam, surrendered himself with one .22 pistol, two live rounds, one HE-31 grenade and one detonator.

A homecoming ceremony attended by various high ranking officials of CRPF and Manipur Police was organized today at CRPF Group Centre, Langjing in honour of the surrendered cadre.

Inspector General of CRPF (Manipur & Nagaland Sector) Dr NC Asthana welcomed the surrendered cadre and appreciated him for joining the mainstream by laying down arms.

IGP, Manipur KT Vaiphei and IG of Law and Order Clay Kgingsai were also present during the home coming ceremony.

Source: http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=25..030614.jun14

ABSS offers scholarship to wards of armed security forces

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, June 1: ABSS Institute of Technology, Meerut announced scholarship for the wards of J&K Police, Air Force, Army, BSF, CRPF, ITBP and other central paramilitary forces.

This was stated by Vice Chairman of ABSS Institute of Technology, Meerut, Atul Bhardwaj during a press conference.

He said that the scholarship will be sponsored by Government of India to the students of SC, ST, OBC and minority communities are also being provided by the college.

“Scholarship scheme for Kashmiri migrants, tuition free seats for meritorious students and two tuition free seats for the girls belonging to the martyr families are also being provided by our college”, he maintained.

Bhardwaj further stated that the college was founded in 2007 by the sole motto of imparting quality based technical courses including MTech, BTech, MBA, Bachelor of Management, dual degree courses, integrated technical courses and polytechnic courses. The college is approved by AICTE Ministry of HRD, Government of India and affiliated to UP Technical University, Lucknow, he added.

“We provide 100 per cent job placement assistance to the passed out students. To provide facilities to the J&K students our admission-cum-counselling office functions throughout the year in Rehari, where in depth counselling to the desirous students are being provided on various career courses”, he stated.

Source:  http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/abss-offers-scholarship-wards-security-forces/

ITBP के जवान को चलती ट्रेन से फैंका

शिवपुरी। जिले के पोहरी थानांतर्गत ग्राम भदरौनी निवासी एक आईटीवीपी जवान को दिल्ली-बैंग्लौर रेल मार्ग के बीच चलती ट्रेन से फेंक दिया गया जिससे उसकी मौत हो गई। गांव में जैसे ही जवान की मौत खबर आई तो पूरे गांव में शोक का माहौल हो गया है।

जानकारी के अनुसार आईटीवीपी मेंं पदस्थ सुग्रीव ओझा उम्र 29 वर्ष पुत्र हरिबल्लभ ओझा निवासी भदरौनी थाना पोहरी जिला शिवपुरी मप्र दिल्ली से डाक लेकर बैंग्लोर जा रहा था। बताया गया है कि ट्रेन में अज्ञात बदमाशों ने लूट के इरादे से पलपल के पास से जवान को चलती ट्रेन से फेंक दिया जिससे उसकी मौत हो गई।

यह घटना 30 मई की रात को घटी और स्थानीय पुलिस ने जवान की शिनाख्त की तथा आईटीवीपी के अधिकारियों से सपंर्क किया। इसके बाद शिवपुरी जिले के भदरौनी गांव में जवान सुग्रीव के परिजनो को 31 मई को सूचना दी गई। 1 जून को जवान के शव का पीएम होने के बाद देर रात शव गांव लाया गया है।

Source: http://www.shivpurisamachar.com/2014/06/ITBP.html#.U4xGx9yaW-c

DG BSF, Mahesh Singla pays visit to Hussainiwala Border in Punjab

Ferozepur, June 1, 2014: On Saturday, the newly appointed Director General of Border Security Force, Mahesh Singla was in Ferozepur to visit Hussainiwala Joint Check Post.

During his visit to JCP, in the scorching heat, the Director General also witnessed the retreat ceremony.

During his meeting with the senior officials of BSF, he gave some instructions to his subordinates.

Singla said, due to BSF jawans' vigilant attitude we have achieved a major success in damping the drug peddlers.

He further said, the BSF personal had tried their level best to prevent cross border smuggling, before and during the elections. He gave instructions to the BSF officials to take more stern actions to stop cross border drug pedalling.

Praising the selfless service of BSF officials he said,

It is only due to the BSF personal deputed at border out posts (BOPs) that the resident of border area are living a peaceful and secured life.

Singla said that any BSF official found involved in cross border smuggling, will not be spared and have to face the music of dire circumstances.

Source: http://www.babushahi.com/news-detail.php?id=36402#jump0

Ex–BSF ADG alleges bureaucrats–illegal Bangladeshi migrants’ nexus

NEW DELHI,  A former additional director general (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday dropped a bombshell alleging that bureaucrats and Forest Department officials in Assam sold large tracts of forest land to illegal Bangladeshi migrants with fraudulent process.

“Most of the forest land in Guwahati and Kokrajhar was sold to illegal Bangladeshis by Revenue and Forest Department officials with the support of bureaucrats,” said PK Mishra, former ADG of the BSF.

He claimed that in the 2016 Assembly elections in Assam, the Badaruddin Ajmal–led party might capture unexpected number of seats, “if illegal migration to Assam continues in such a way”.

Mishra’s statement will no doubt create ripples in the government as well as in the political circle.

It may be mentioned that Mishra was deployed in the extreme areas along the India–Bangladesh border from 1971 till 1990. He had also supervised the border fencing and floodlighting work in Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya and some char areas on the Brahmaputra. Recounting his experience, Mishra said almost all the political parties have been playing vote bank politics with the issue of illegal migration. “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Maoists are the biggest internal threat for the country, but he never mentioned about illegal migrants, which is in fact a serious challenge to country’s security and demographic situation,” he added.

The presence of about six crores illegal Bangladeshi migrants are posing maximum threat to India’s security.

Referring to the recent carnage in Kokrajhar and Baksa districts, Mishra said until and unless the issue of illegal migration is not taken seriously, such incidents will certainly occur in the near future. 

The former ADG of the BSF has also authored a book titled ‘Bangladeshi Migrants: A Threat to India’, which deals with the problem of illegal migration.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/mainnews/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=191667&dtP=2014-06-01&ppr=1#.U4w9vtyaW-c