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.”