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.”