Border Security Force provides security cover to the country along the ‘porous’ Rajasthan border The difficult geographical conditions in the Thar desert along the border makes its extremely challenging for our security forces. Sushant Pareek peeps onto the functioning of BSF as to what all it has to make one of the most combative forces.
The porous border of Rajasthan is always live with infiltration. But the vigilant eyes of Border Security Forces thwart any attempt of ‘crossing over’ along 1,070 kms spread across the border districts of Bikaner, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar and Jaisalmer districts
The uniformed men showcase their patriotism and valour by serving the nation and its population. They guard the borders in challenging situations and extreme weather conditions. In sweltering summers, when the temperature rises above 50 degrees, the force stands as an impregnable wall against any illegal cross border activity. In the sub zero conditions during winter, BSF braves the weather calamity with the same spirit.
What is Border Security Force
Border Security Force was raised after the India-Pakistan war of 1965. Before 1965 Indian border with Pakistan was guarded by the State Armed Police Battalion. During the war of 1965, Pakistan attacked on Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet on 9 April, 1965 in Kutch. It exposed the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed aggression due to which the Government of India felt that Indian Border would be more protected if it is under a control of a centralized force rather than a distributed force. Therefore BSF was born on 1st December 1965 with motto “Duty unto Death.”
BSF is the only Central Armed Police force to have its own Air Wing, Marine Wing and artillery regiments, which support the General Duty Battalions in their operations. The Financial Adviser of the BSF has been an Indian Revenue Service officer of the rank of Joint Secretary and also has Dy Advisers from the Indian Audit and Accounts Service and Indian Civil Account Service.
BSF Security Divisions:
To ensure high security at all times and alerts on the border, the 24-hour BSF patrol has three divisions.
- Foot Patrolling: BSF jamwans keeps a check on the post and regularly patrol the area by covering a walking distance of around 2 kilometres.
- Horse Patrolling: Another way of patrolling is Horse Patrolling where jawans atopping the horse monitor the movements of the enemy. In a new initiative, BSF has started using camel carts on the border for administrative and operational needs. Camel patrolling has been an integral part of guarding the international border in Rajasthan.
- Vehicle Patrolling: Vehicle patrolling is a way in which the company commander-level officer can inspect the patrolling system anytime. The weather causes constant problems for the soldiers in patrolling but their unmatched determination and willpower keep them ready for every challenge.
BSF's role during peacetime
- To promote sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
- To prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- To prevent smuggling and any other illegal activities on the Border.
- Anti-infiltration duties.
- To collect trans-border intelligence.
BSF is largely employed for Internal Security Duties and other law and order duties on requisition of the State Government. Being a Central Armed Police Force it can be entrusted with policing duties at any place apart from its mandate.
BSF's role during wartime
- Holding ground in assigned sectors.
- Limited aggressive action against irregular forces of enemy (Though in 1971 war, several instances of battle with regular Army of Pakistan are also there. In Hot War Scenario, one has to fight whoever is pitched against you, regular or irregular.)
- Maintenance of Law and Order in enemy territory administered under the Army's control.
- Guarding of Prisoners of War camps.
- Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.
- Assistance in control of refugees.
- Provision of escorts.
- Performing special tasks connected with intelligences including raids.
Perennial Curfew after 7 pm in this village
Hindumalkot, a small gram panchayat which comes under Sri Ganganagar district is the last village of India. It has around 2000 residents and is completely controlled by the BSF. A curfew is imposed in the village daily after 7 pm due to security concerns. This village is run on BSF rules. Even for any marriage function or religious ceremonies scheduled in the evening, the organisers have to take permission from BSF.
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 "Rajasthan border")
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