BSF Guwahati has seized assets worth Rs 22 crore from the India-Bangladesh international border

From Sudip Sharma Chowdhury

Guwahathi: The Border Security Force (BSF) is celebrating its 56th Foundation Day today. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes to BSF soldiers for their service to the nation. At the same time, BSF DG Rakesh Asthana has greeted the family of the soldiers. He also said that we want to assure the country that our soldiers will always stand to protect the country from the cowardly infiltration attempts of Pakistan.On this occasion, the Northeast Frontier Guwahati BSF Commandant congratulated the soldiers and said on Guwahati head office that BSF Frontier Guwahati has seized assets worth Rs 22 crore from the India-Bangladesh international border in the past years. He Said that the Guwahati Frontier since its inception has been assigned to guard Indo-BD Border in states of WB and Assam. To secure the assigned International Border on Indo – Bangladesh border, 11 BSF Bns are deployed under 03 Sectors including a Water Wing.

The socio – religio – politic dynamics of bordering Districts of WB and Assam differs to each other resulting in different security scenario. Moreover, geographical condition of bordering distts under AOR of Ghty Ftr also differs to each other. The following bordering dist. fall under AOR of Guwahati Frontier :- (a) West Bengal – Distt Cooch Behar (b) Assam – Distt Dhubri & South Salmara Guwahati Frontier, Border Security Force has distinguished itself with flying colours in each and every task assigned to it over the years. It has always displayed the highest standards of professionalism, valour and loyalty guarding Indo-Bangladesh borders, countering internal unrest, assisting in natural disasters as well as any other duty assigned to it during the last one year.

It is a matter of pride that despite facing various challenges, Frontier Guwahati has executed its assigned task in an exemplary manner and has earned its rightful place in matters of security and sanctity of the International Border. 3. ACHIEVEMENTS ? SEIZURE During the Period between 1st Dec 2019 to 30 th Nov? 2020, total seizure worth Rs 22 Crores (approx.) consisting of Cattle Heads, Phensedyl, Yaba Tablets, Sukhi Tablets, Ganja, Opium, Others C/B items etc were seized in the AOR of Guwahati Frontier . ? APPREHENSION CASES Indian Smugglers = 245 Bangladeshi Smugglers = 32 Cattle rescued = 24,060 heads. ? INITIATIVES (a) Day and night SCPs (Simultaneous Coordinated Patrols) are being carried out by Border Security Force and Border Guarding Bangladesh (BGB). (b) Improved Relationship with Border Guards Bangladesh through various Confidence Building Measures Like – (i) Under mutual exchange program, officers and other ranks of both the forces. (ii) Witnessing raising days and other functions of either Forces.4. ACTIVITIES WITH BORDER POPULATION Apart from maintaining the sanctity of the Indo-Bangladesh Border, BSF Guwahati Frontier is also actively engaged to help the border population.

This is well articulated in the charter of duties of BSF. Taking forward this spirit of the force, numerous Civic Action Programs and Medical Camps in all the under command Sector and Units were organized, apart from regular proactive help and support provided to the border population at BN and company level. Seema Prahari of Guwahati Frontier BSF took initiative and selfless efforts in reaching out to the Border population during challenging circumstances to distribute grocery items/Meals to the needy people during lockdown and provided ATM facilities etc. Seema Praharis of Guwahati Frontier who recovered from COVID-19 infection voluntarily donated their convalescent plasma after assessing their antibodies status to Guwahati Medical College (GMC) Hospital, Guwahati, Assam. Under “ Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” mission, the BSF Guwahati Frontier ensured the importance of this campaign with a positive efforts and giving active contribution to the country. In this regard toilet block with septic tank, Mobile BIO-Toilet and hand pump were constructed in the bordering schools for the girls students. ? Fit India Freedom Run. ? Plantation Campaign 5. SPORTS Since the time of its inception, BSF Guwahati Frontier has been in the lime light for its glorious journey in the field of sports. The prevalent sports culture in the Force always inculcated the spirit of healthy competition among its Officers and Jawans.

In this line various sports/games events like-Boxing, Kabbadi, Handball, Gymnastic, Athletic and Yoga Bodybuilding etc. were the part of this training year both within the force as well as in other all India events.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR- GUWAHATI FRONTIER ? BSF Band Display at LGBI Airport, Guwahati on the occasion of National Unity Day 2020. ? Observance of various activities – ? Anti Terrorism Day. ? Swachh Bharat Mission. ? International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking. ? Fit India Freedom Run ? Plantation Drive. ? International Yoga Day. ? World Tobacco Free day ? Sadbhavana Diwas. ? World Environment Day ? Republic Day & Independence. ? Cancer screening camp on the occasion of BWWA Day. ? Sensitization Workshop on Wildlife Crimes Prevention ? BIC Course ? Lecture on FICN by Reserve bank ? Forensic course at CID, Guwahati ? Police Commemoration Day. ? Rastriya Ekta Diwas. ? Vigilance Awareness Week. he added. Meantion that theBorder Security Force is completing sterling 55 years in the service of the Nation on 1st December 2020. The force is celebrating its „56 th Raising Day? to commemorate this historic milestone. The country?s history will record the contribution of the first wall of defence?s i.e. BSFs valour, sacrifices and utmost dedication to the motherland in golden words.

BSF, an elite force of the country raised with the strength of 25,000 personnel is today, more than 2,65,173 strong Force, conferring it the status of largest Border Guarding Force in the world with 193 Battalions (including 04 Disaster Management Battalions). These units are aptly supported by robust Training Institutions, an elaborated Medical Set Up, an Artillery Regiment, Air and Water Wings, Camel contingent & Dog Squads, to come true to the current responsibility of safeguarding International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Border Security Force is a unique Force with both” Peace time” and “War time” roles and has proven its mettle in most difficult tasks assigned to it by the Government in times of Peace, War and Disturbed Peace (NWNP) at Borders and Hinterland .The Challenge of effective policing of Indo-Pak border arose immediately after Independence. Till 1965, the police units of bordering States were entrusted with security of this border. The attack by a Pakistan Brigade on Sardar Post in Gujarat necessitated the requirement of an armed force to function under Union Govt. to ensure secured Borders. The need of the hour was to raise an Armed Force trained on the pattern of Army to defend the borders and also work like police to check trans-border crimes during peace and thereby inculcating sense of security to the border population.

On the recommendations of a committee of secretaries the BSF came into being under the dynamic leadership of Shri K F Rustamji on 1st Dec 1965. Since raising BSF has been most dependable force for the Govt. in fulfilling arduous tasks and acceptable to the people of nation in times of their need. Baptised by fire during various sensitive operations, the nascent force grew from strength to strength to become one of the best and trusted professional forces in the country. During the nascent years of its raising the force was tasked to assist Mukti Vahini for Bangladesh Liberation war of 1971. It is on record that BSF was mobilized before the actual war had broken out during Liberation war of Bangladesh. BSF has also carved out an elevated niche among the security establishments of the nation in Internal Security, Counter Insurgency and Anti Naxal Operations through its dedication and unflinching professionalism.

The professional approach and capability of meticulous execution of assigned tasks bestows the Force with the status of the most Dependable Warriors. We have defended our borders with courage and hard work, giving due respect to human rights. We have earned not only laurels but also the faith and cooperation of border population. In this 55 th year of our formation we re-dedicate our services to the Nation with a resolve to perform our duties with more vigour and valour and continue to live upto our motto – “JEEVAN PARYANT KARTAVYA”.