Border Security Force
(BSF)
Description
Borders are one very important aspect for any country’s safety and security. In India, this important job is carried out by the Border Security Force (BSF). Border Security Force is one of the biggest military forces in the country and has been named ‘First Line of Defence’. It helps to keep peace in border areas, prevents any illegal activities, and safeguard’s India’s international frontiers.
Let ’s investigate what the BSF is, its mode of operation as well as why it’s deemed to be that important for the security of the nation as a whole.
What is the Border Security Force?
The Indian government has a paramilitary force that is referred to as Border Security Force (BSF). It was created on 1st December 1965 after the India-Pakistan war to strengthen the security of the borders of India. It now stands as the largest border guarding force in the world.
The BSF protects the Indian border along the borders of Pakistan and Bangladesh which stretch over 6,000 kilometers. It is organized under the Ministry of Home Affairs, and it cooperates closely with the Indian Army and other armed formations.
The Main Functions of the BSF
There are many things that the BSF does to keep the country safe. Here they are:
Border Patrolling
Round-the-clock in the service, monitoring the borders between countries, at times walking, sometimes using vehicles or boats or horses in deserts, rivers, and mountains.
Preventing Unlawful Activities
BSF stops terrorists, smugglers, human traffickers, and illegal immigrants from sneaking into the country.
Tackling terrorism & dealing with insurgency
BSF works against terrorists and maintains law and order in disturbed states like Jammu and Kashmir and other states of Northeast India.
Support in Times of Disaster
In times of natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, BSF comes to rescue feeding and medicating affected people.
International Peacekeeping
In Congo, Sudan, and Haiti, BSF personnel have served as U.N. peacekeepers.
BSF Soldier’s Life
Life of a BSF soldier is all about discipline, bravery, and renunciation. A soldier many times has to live at places far away from his home in inhospitable weather conditions like hot deserts of Rajasthan or cold mountains of Kashmir. Regiment help possible look after home family besides their regimental duties as they are always alert and work for long hours BSF jawans have a strong feeling of responsibility mixed with patriotism to their country They guard the border at night and assist lost villagers to find their way home A large chunk of the BSF has, over the years, become Women. Women in the BSF do border patrol work, intelligence work, administrative work. They also help make the force more sensitive and effective in dealing with women, children at the border.
Modern tools and technology
The BSF uses modern tools and technology to fight new threats, including:
- Drones and surveillance cameras
- Night vision devices
- Smart fencing (laser walls)
- Present-day communication systems
Allowing soldiers to quickly and accurately locate and deal with threats, especially in hard-to-reach areas
BSF along the India-Pakistan border
The fact of flag lowering on the Wagah Border near Amritsar, Punjab is one of the most prominent events of the BSF. Every night thousands of people witness a very powerful parade ceremony done by the BSF soldiers as well as the Pakistani Rangers. It symbolizes discipline and respect and hence the power of India military. 1. It’s no cake walk to become a BSF soldier. One has to undergo stern physical, written, and medical tests. Once chosen, candidates are sent to the BSF academies for training in the art of shooting, staying fit, reading of maps, first aid, and team work.
BSF also imparts the ways of talking in other languages, negotiation, and response to disasters among its employees so that they become all set for whatever.
Honors & Awards
BSF members were awarded for their brave act and services many times which include: Medals for bravery The President’s Police Medal for Outstanding Service Shaurya Chakra( for brave deeds) People give respect from every corner of the country because of their contributions in the war as well as in peace. Problems the BSF has to manage BSF soldiers are very much dedicated but still, they have a lot of problems to face: Bad weather Hardly accessible places like rivers, deserts, and hills as well Terrorists and smugglers are some other problems they tackle with
Quite a long span when don’t see the family The BSF is still strong and committed to their work of protecting the country.
Final Thought
More than a group of guys in uniform with guns, it represents duty, courage, and sacrifice of something valuable so many soldiers stand on guard thousands by the day, every day- doing their job with all honor and dedication; be it standing at a border, be it disaster relief or keeping the smugglers at bay.
We should honor and support the unsung heroes who, by their work, protection, and even discomfort and life, keep us secure. First and last, we are all rightly proud of the ‘First Line of Defense of India-BSF