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

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

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

Sashastra Seema Bal intensifies vigil along Indo–Bhutan border

KOKRAJHAR, May 31: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) guarding the porous Indo–Bhutan border apprehended 87 persons for their alleged involvement in illegal activities till May this year.

According to the sources of 16th Bn, SSB, as many as 87 persons have been apprehended in the year 2014, 18 persons in 2013 and 7 persons in 2012 for illegal felling of trees, possessing illegal arms, and smuggling activities. The SSB personnel also seized two arms recently. In 2014, the SSB seized forest products worth Rs 12,99,140 and other illegal products worth Rs 27,05,650. The SSB personnel could manage to seize forest products worth Rs 44,78,457 and Bhutanese liquor amounting Rs 10,000 and other Rs 4,05,000 in the year 2013. In 2012, the SSB personnel seized forest products worth Rs 3,78,263 and Bhutanese liquor value of Rs 72,150. They also seized other illegal products amounting Rs 22,30,400.

The SSB sources said that there is no official report from the Bhutan counterpart about the militant groups sneaking into the Bhutan territory and established camps. Sources also revealed that there are no any such permanent camps within the territory of India by any militant groups including the dreaded NDFB (S) militants.

Senior officer said that the militants limited themselves into four cadres and frequently change their shelter in the villages (reportedly encroachers in the forest). He said that the co–ordination with the Bhutan counterpart is good and relationship to work collectively for maintaining the border has been smoothly functioning.

The 16th Bn SSB is assigned to guard the international boundary from 150 border pillar (Saralpara) to 174 border pillars (Sashipur), a distance of 38 km for the better relationship and co–ordinate efforts with the neighbouring Bhutan. They were also given responsibility the charge of 15 km distance inside the Indian territory from the border for the security. Sources said that there are 8 Border Out Post (BOP) that were given the responsibility to the 16th Bn SSB to guard international border at the locations Dadgiri, Aie Poali Sashipur, Baghmara, Sonapur, Kokrabasti, Dholtora, Narani and Saralpara.

The SSB sources said that there are no electricity facilities in the BOPs barring in two locations. They have to face the problems especially during the night and the only alternative is the generator and sometimes it has to be repaired. The major problem for the patrolling of jawans is due to lack of border roads.

Meanwhile, heavy erosion has been taking place since the last few years in the Sonapur area. There is hardly 50 metres distance that the Sonapur BOP is likely to be swallowed with the heavy water current of Paithanala river that flows from Bhutan. SSB sources said that demands for the construction of embankments along the Paithanala river were put forwarded to the higher authority to prevent erosion and proper border roads for the easy movement of patrolling party to guard the porous border. Some of the BOPs had to store their foods and materials prior to heavy rainfall as the flood prevents easy access with rest of the BOPs and villages. “The felling of trees and encroachment of forest land are other issues which needs to be tackled effortlessly”, SSB sources said.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/state1/story.php?sec=2&subsec=2&id=193408&dtP=2014-06-01&ppr=1

SSB observes Raising Day in Guwahati

Guwahati: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Frontier Headquarter Guwahati celebrated 11th Raising Day recently at Reserve Battalion, Sonapur.

Chief guest Anil Negi, Inspector General SSB, FTR Guwahati, addressed the gathering and lauded the role of SSB as a Border Guarding Force. He said that the FTR Guwahati is mandated to guard the Indo- Bhutan Border has attained significant vigour in the national and security scenario through devotion and dedication and professionalism towards the task, a press release said.

SSB Frontier Guwahati and SSB as a whole have proved its credential in the National Security grid. During last 7 years, SSB achieved significant results to counter anti- national elements, destruction of various forest products and wildlife.

It may mention that SSB Frontier Guwahati has also played a significant role to enforce the sense of security and to save the life of property of the citizen of the country by successfully countering the evil designs of the anti-national elements.

SSB Frontier Guwahati although not directly involved in counter- insurgency but keeping in mind its national responsibility it contributes significantly and could able to apprehend 124 insurgents and other antinational elements and also recovered large numbers of arms and ammunition.

Source:- http://news.guwahationline.in/SSB-observes-Raising-Day-in-Guwahati-168965#sthash.xH0y5FMq.dpuf

Buddha idol worth Rs 1 cr recovered in Bihar

An ancient idol of Lord Buddha valued at Rs 1 crore was seized from a man by security forces in Bihar's West Champaran district today, police sources said.

A joint operation by the Bihar Police and Sashastra Seema Bal personnel was conducted on a tip-off by intelligence sources that a man named Vinod Tiwary was transporting the idol on his motorcycle, the sources said.

The man was intercepted near Chakhani village under Nagar police station.

The idol weighing 11 kilogrammes was valued at over Rs 1 crore, they said, adding that the man was being interrogated.

Man arrested with smack worth Rs 16 lakh

Siddhartnagar, May 25 (PTI) One person was arrested with smack worth Rs 16 lakh from Madhukarpur village here.

A joint team of Sashastra Seema Bal and civil police, acting on a tip-off, arrested Haridwar Verma of Naugarh and recovered the contraband from his possession late last night, police said today.

On interrogation, he revealed that he used to bring the contraband from Barabanki for selling it in Nepal, they added.

Source: http://www.ptinews.com/news/4746581_Man-arrested-with-smack-worth-Rs-16-lakh.html

Don’t let tainted MPs enter House: Plea in court

A city court has ordered issuance of notices to the Delhi Police commissioner, Central government and heads of paramilitary forces after a Delhi resident sought a restrain order on elected MPs with criminal backgrounds from entering Parliament.

The petition, by Satyavir Singh, calls for restraining “the defendants from providing security to criminal MPs, who have been elected in the Lok Sabha elections held in April-May 2014…”

The petition further prays that “MPs who have criminal cases against them should not be allowed/permitted to enter Parliament, otherwise strict action be taken against the defendants as per law…” The notices were issued by Additional Civil Judge Prakash Sharma.

Among the paramilitary forces whose chiefs have been issued notices are the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

The next date of hearing has been fixed on July 25. The petition, filed on Saturday, cited media reports alleging that some of the MPs elected to Parliament have criminal pasts.

“As per the Constitution of India, no corrupt person or a person having a criminal case is entitled to contest the election… In that situation (if an MP with a criminal past is elected), how can fair rule and administration be expected from the criminal because he will misuse his power by sitting in Parliament. Not only this, the defendants will provide them security for their protection even when they are already criminals and not entitled for the same,” the petition states.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/dont-let-tainted-mps-enter-house-plea-in-court/

Sashastra Seema Bal celebrates its raising day

GUWAHATI, May 23: The Frontier Headquarters of Sashastra Seema Bal, Guwahati celebrated its 11th Raising Day on Friday at the Reserve Battalion in Sonapur with much gaiety and enthusiasm.

SSB Inspector General Guwahati Anil Negi, who was the chief guest of the program, addressed the gathering and lauded the role of the SSB as a border guarding force.

“The Frontier Headquarters of SSB Guwahati, mandated to the guard Indo–Bhutan border, has attained significant vigour in the national and security scenario through dedication and professionalism. During the last 7 years, the SSB has achieved significant results in countering anti–national elements, destruction of various forest products and wildlife. It has also played a significant role to enforce the sense of security and to save the lives and properties of citizens of the country by successfully countering the evil designs of anti–national elements,” Negi said.

He said that the SSB Frontier of Guwahati has so far apprehended at least 124 insurgents and other anti–national elements and also recovered large number of arms and ammunition.

“In addition to the normal role of border guarding, SSB has also been assigned with multi–dimensional responsibilities like election and law–and–order duties.” The Inspector General also remembered the martyrs who laid down their lives fighting for the nation and their role in building a strong Force.

Source: http://www.sentinelassam.com/ghy_city/story.php?sec=2&subsec=4&id=192699&dtP=2014-05-24&ppr=1#.U4AKTfmSwa8

SSB Seizes Gold

Sashastra Seema Bal on Friday seized four kilograms of gold worth Rs 1.18 crore from a man from Punjab at Sanauli on Indo-Nepal border in Maharajganj district of Uttar Pradesh.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/speednewsshow/35525934.cms

UPA II reluctant to fill security posts lying vacant for months

 Officials in the Home Ministry worked frantically to ensure that a judge was appointed to probe Snoopgate in the last days of the UPA regime but there was no such urgency shown to fill important security posts lying vacant for months.

Top positions in the security establishment are vacant with no efforts being made to find suitable replacements.

Vacuum

The position of Special Secretary (Internal Security) in the Home Ministry, held by a Director General IPS officer, has been vacant for the past eight months since the retirement of S. Jayaraman in September 2013. The officer heads the ministry's internal security wing and reports directly to the home secretary.

Even the position of Secretary (Security) in the Cabinet Secretariat, appointed by the Prime Minister, was not filled after Yashovardhan Azad was appointed Information Commissioner in November 2013.

Several other vacant positions in paramilitary forces are also held by senior IPS officers.

The ministry has also put on hold the empanelment of 1981 and 1984 batches of the IPS as Special Directors General and Additional Directors General at the Centre.

"With senior positions remaining vacant, officers are given additional charge, which means more work and pressure. It also leads to hectic lobbying for vacant positions," said a senior officer.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guards the Indo-Nepal border and carries out other internal security duties, is without a chief. Its chief Arun Chaudhary retired on April 31. Central Industrial Security Force DG Arvind Ranjan has been given its additional charge. Earlier Ranjan held additional charge of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) when he was heading the National Security Guard.

No special DGs

The CISF, responsible for securing airports and industrial units, was also without a regular DG for nearly three months when Ranjan was appointed in December 2013.

The largest paramilitary force, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) serving in Maoist areas, northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, is without three Special DGs, who are responsible for heading three field formations in the northeast, Kashmir and Central zones.

The government has done away with the post of Additional DG in the ITBP for the time being. Sources said this is a crucial post as the Additional DG directly coordinates with IGs and supervises operations. The post was given to National Disaster Response Force chief Mahboob Alam who was previously serving as additional DG in ITBP. Alam also held the charge of DG for some time as the government did not appoint a full-time DG. The BSF is also without two Special DGs and one Additional DG.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/home-ministry-upa-ii-sashastra-seema-bal-cisf-crpf-itbp/1/361692.html

Women to be inducted as officers in border force for 1st time

Breaking the male bastion in the five decade-old Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), the government has approved recruitment of young women as ‘combat officers’ in the second largest border guarding force.

The women officers, after induction, will have an opportunity to serve in far-flung border locations of the force which secures ‘open’ and important Indian frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan.

Young women under and up to the age of 25 years will be recruited as direct entry officers in the rank of Assistant Commandants (ACs) and according to sources in the Union Home Ministry, the force will have the trained women officers on ground by late 2015.

Till now, women could only don the combat uniform in the officer cadre in three other central security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force and the Border Security Force.

However, women will still not be inducted as officers in the third border guarding force of the country– the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force– deployed along the China border.

The SSB, in 2007, was the first to recruit women in junior ranks of Constables but since then, the contingents were being commanded by male officers and hence a desire was felt to have women officers in the paramilitary which has close to 1,400 women personnel in ‘khaki’ at present.

The new female officers will be recruited by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) as part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) Exam-2014.

A total of 136 officers, both male and female, will be recruited this year.

“This is for the first time that women will be commissioned as officers in SSB, a border guarding force. The BSF was allowed to recruit women officers last year and as part of women empowerment in these premier forces, it was thought apt to induct women in combat ranks in this border force,” a senior Home Ministry official told PTI.

The SSB is about 50,000 personnel strong force at present and secures the 1,751-km long Indo-Nepal border and the 699-km Indo-Bhutan border.

Officials say that while having male officers as commanders of women units was not a problem but deputing women as leaders surely sends the message that they are second to none and can accomplish any task as good as their male counterparts.

Under the current exam of UPSC, there will be no cap on the number of women taking up these posts as the selection is based on merit.

After being recruited and commissioned as ACs, these women officers can rise and get promotions to become Deputy Commandants and Commandants of an operational company (about 100 personnel) or a full battalion (approximately 1000 personnel) in the SSB.(PTI)

Central Armed Police Forces At A Glance

ASSAM RIFLES (AR)

Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force of 46 battalions currently, officered by Army and some its cadre officers, though commanded only by Army officers, is under administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), but under operational control of Army for performing many roles including internal security counter insurgency and border security, aid to the civil power in times of emergency, and the provision of communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas. Since 2002 it has been guarding the India-Myanmar border under the government policy of “one border, one force”.

With Assam Rifles being under operational command of the Army, almost all its arms and equipment are on the lines of those of infantry battalions in plains and mountainous areas. In view of the mountain strike corps to be raised to counter the rising Chinese threat, there may be some more battalions added to its existing strength.

BORDER SECURITY FORCE (BSF)

The Border Security Force came into existence on 01 Dec 1965, under K F Rustamji, its first chief and founding father, with the aim of promoting a sense of security among the people living in border areas, preventing trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India and to prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity. Subsequently, BSF additionally began to be deployed for counter insurgency and internal security duties. Having participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1971, it has been involved  in fighting insurgency and militancy in Punjab, J & K and North- East, rescue and relief during calamities and since recently, also been deployed in the areas affected by Left Wing Extremism.

BSF has been defending the borders along with the Army and checking infiltration on the borders during the current standoff with Pakistan. From a force of 25 battalions in 1965, it has today 173 Battalions. With its own Air and Water Wings, Artillery Regiments and Training Institutes, BSF is presently the largest Border Guards force of the world.

In addition to the OFB small arms mentioned, BSF has Heckler & Koch MP5, A3 9mmx19 mm Sub Machine Gun and Beretta MX4 Storm submachine guns. To replace its camels in the Thar desert, BSF reportedly conducted trials of Polaris (USA) field vehicle Ranger 800, Ranger RZR 4-800, Ranger RZW SW and sportsman models in May 2013 and found it better than the Chinese Nebula and Indian Maini Group’s products tested earlier.

INDO-TIBETAN BORDER POLICE (ITBP)

Conceived in October 1962 – quite obviously as a result of the Chinese aggression – the Indo -Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) was raised for security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Beginning with four battalions, it now has 57 battalions of 1000 personnel each deployed in all three segments of the LAC from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh till Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh opposite the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. In view of the additional responsibilities and the task redefined in 1976, the Force was restructured in 1978. It is a specialized mountain force with most of its personnel professionally trained as mountaineers and skiers.

Owing to the very challenging terrain, temperature and weather conditions, under modernisation ITBP needs better sleeping bags, better snow boots, snow scooters, battlefield surveillance radars, satellite-based surveillance systems, real time imagery systems, cameras mounted on towers overlooking heights and ridges, windmills, which the high velocity winds can move to generate electricity and more infrastructure. One weapon ITBP has acquired apart from the OFB list is the UTG Gen 5 Accushot Competition Master Model 700 Pro with Upgraded Bolt FPS-450 Spring Airsoft Sniper Rifle, and US-made UTG brand product.

SASHASTRA SEEMA BAL (SSB)

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) was raised in early 1963 with the aim of inculcating feelings of national belonging in people living in the border areas like then North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), North Assam, North Bengal, Uttar Pradesh hills, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. The scheme was later extended to Manipur, Tripura, Jammu (1965), Meghalaya (1975), Sikkim (1976), border areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat (1989), Manipur, Mizoram. Some more areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat (1988), South Bengal, Nagaland (1989) and Nubra Valley, Rajouri and Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir (1991) were added too.  The modus was developing their capabilities for resistance through a continuous process of motivation, training, development, welfare programmes and activities. Following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on reforming the National Security System, the SSB was declared as a border guarding force and lead intelligence agency for Indo-Nepal border (January, 2001) and Indo-Bhutan border (March, 2004).

Addressing one of the main concerns of the SSB for providing authorised infrastructure, in July 2013, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved construction of infrastructure, namely office buildings, residential buildings and Border Out Posts (BOPs), at various establishments of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) during the 12th Five Year Plan at the cost of Rs. 3,510.07 crore. This includes construction of barracks and non-residential buildings. In addition, the CCEA also approved construction of 2,000 houses and 10 barracks at 12 sites at an estimated cost of Rs. 413.88 crore.

CENTRAL RESERVE POLICE FORCE (CRPF)

The Central Reserve Police Force, which came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police on 27th July 1939, became the Central Reserve Police Force by enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949. The Force has grown into a big organization with 207 battalions (bns), including 181 executive bns, 2 Mahila (Women) bns, 10 Rapid Action Force (RAF) bns, 6 Cobra bns (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action-special battalions raised mainly for anti-Maoist operations), 2 DM (NDRF) bns, 5 Signal bns and 1 Special Duty Group bn, 37 Group Centres,   11 Training Institutions and 4 composite 100 bed and 17 composite 50 bed hospitals.

CRPF has sent a proposal to MHA for integral helicopters, better quality of anti-landmine vehicles and more unmanned aerial vehicles.

CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE (CISF)

The CISF raised in 1969 with three battalions, to provide integrated security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) over  four decades, has grown to reach 1,12,000 personnel, amounting to at least 110 battalions. No longer a PSU-centric organisation, the CISF has become a premier multi-skilled security agency, mandated to provide security to major critical infrastructure installations of the country in diverse areas. CISF is currently providing security cover to nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive Government buildings and even heritage monuments. Among important responsibilities entrusted to the CISF in recent years are the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (for which 4000 more personnel have been recently authorised), VIP Security, Disaster Management and establishment of a Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the UN at Haiti.

With diverse challenges, CISF needs a far wider inventory of equipment as per its tasks mentioned. Delhi airports’ Perimeter Intrusion Detection System has been installed by Israel. The CISF also needs more and improved night vision devices and a separate firefighting wing to better fire- protect 88 PSUs it guards.

NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD (NSG)

The National Security Guard (NSG) was set up in 1984 as a Federal Contingency Deployment Force to tackle all facets of terrorism in the country. Thus the primary role of this Force is to combat terrorism in whatever form it may assume in areas where activity of terrorists assumes serious proportions, and the State Police and other Central Police Forces cannot cope up with the situation. The NSG is a Force specially equipped and trained to deal with specific situations and is therefore, to be used only in exceptional situations. The Force is not designed to undertake the functions of the State Police Forces or other Para Military Forces of the Union of India.

The NSG was modelled on the pattern of the SAS of the UK and GSG-9 of Germany. It is a task-oriented Force and has two complementary elements in the form of the Special Action Group (SAG) comprising Army personnel and the Special Ranger Groups (SRG), comprising personnel drawn from the Central Para Military Forces / State Police Force. All the personnel are on deputation.