Jul 11, 2023
BSF was created on December 1st, 1965 after the Indo-Pak war exposed the gaps in the Indian border security system. It is one of the five Central Police Forces of the Union of India. It protects all international boundaries of India, including land and maritime borders.
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BSF is the world’s largest border guarding force. It has its own Marine, Air and Artillery wings to support its general duty battalions in their operations. It also has a separate camel and dog wing that helps it patrol and monitor different terrains and situations.
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BSF’s motto is ‘Duty Unto Death’, which shows its courage and commitment to the nation. It protects the borders from enemies during war and from criminals during peace-time. It also takes care of various internal security duties, such as fighting against insurgents and disasters.
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The BSF has a special tear smoke unit (TSU) in Tekanpur that produces tear gas munitions for anti-riot forces. It is the only such unit in India. It manufactures various types of tear gas shells, grenades, rockets, and launchers.
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The first DG of the BSF was K.F. Rustamji from the Indian Police Services. He is regarded as the founding father of the force. He was instrumental in shaping the BSF into a professional and efficient force. He also played a key role in the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
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The BSF has access to special all-terrain vehicles for its personnel in the Rann of Kutch. These vehicles help them cover over 4,000 kms of inhospitable terrains in Gujarat. They are equipped with GPS, night vision devices, communication systems, and weapons.
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BSF helped free Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971. They rescued Awami League leaders from Pakistani killings and helped them form a government in exile. They also trained and backed the Mukti Bahini, the freedom fighters of Bangladesh.
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The BSF was deployed at the most sensitive areas during the Kargil War in 1999. They fought alongside the Indian Army and helped India win the war. They also captured several strategic posts from the Pakistani intruders, such as Tiger Hill, Tololing, Point 4875 and Bajrang Post.
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The creek commando force is BSF’s elite unit that patrols and secures the creeks in Gujarat’s Pak-bordering area. They are super-soldiers who can endure the toughest conditions. They use various water and land vehicles for their operations.
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The BSF conducts the Wagah border ceremony on the Indian side of the border with Pakistan. It is a military ritual that involves lowering of flags, exchange of salutes, and display of patriotism by both sides. It attracts thousands of spectators from both countries.
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