BORDER SECURITY FORCE

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Context

• 59^th raising day of BSF was observed on 1^st

Details

• The Border Security Force (BSF) is India's primary border guarding organization operating along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• As one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), it was established after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, specifically "for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for related matters".
• The motto of the Border Security Force (BSF) is "जीवन पर्यन्त कर्तव्य," which translates to "Duty Unto Death" in English.

Organizational Growth and Structure

• Initially established with 25 battalions, the BSF has expanded significantly, now comprising 192 battalions and approximately 270,000 personnel.
• This includes specialized units such as air and naval wings, as well as an artillery regiment.

Roles and Mandates

During Peacetime:

• Primary Objectives: The BSF's primary roles encompass border security, prevention of trans-border crimes like smuggling and unauthorized entry, anti-infiltration duties, intelligence collection, and fostering a sense of security among border residents.
• Legal Authority: Governed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the BSF operates under the Border Security Force Act, 1968.

During Wartime:

• War-Time Functions: These include holding ground in assigned sectors, taking limited aggressive action against irregular enemy forces, and assisting the army in border areas, along with other specified roles.

Historical Significance

• Reason for Formation: Following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, where the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to handle armed aggression was exposed, the government established the BSF to serve as a unified central agency responsible for safeguarding India's international borders.
• Key Contributors: Figures such as K.F. Rustamji, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, played crucial roles in the early leadership of the BSF.

Geopolitical and Tactical Engagements

• Involvement in Conflicts: The BSF actively participated in conflicts like the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and played a pivotal role in the Liberation of Bangladesh.
• Adaptation to Changing Conditions: Over the years, the force's operational areas evolved, shifting from the Punjab region to Jammu and Kashmir, engaging in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

Specialized Units and Modernization

• Special Detachments: Notable specialized units like the Creek Crocodile commando force and the Camel Contingent, both serving distinct purposes along different border sections.
• Force Modernization: Emphasis on modernization efforts, including equipping the force with All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and specialized apparatus.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. In which of the following states is the Creek Crocodile specialized commando unit of the BSF primarily deployed? a) Punjab b) Gujarat c) Jammu and Kashmir d) Chhattisgarh Answer: b)