Border Security Force (BSF) – सीमा सुरक्षा बाल
Border Security Force is a very special type of force. The personnel of the BSF work specially to protect the borders of India, both in peace time and when India is at war.
The Force was raised because on 9th April 1965, Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet, and Beria Bet (all of these are border areas) in Kutch. This surprise attack showed that India’s borders need a special force for safeguarding them.
To meet this need, the Border Security Force was raised on 1st December 1965.
During peace time, the force patrols (keeps an eye on) the border areas, ensures that no one enters the borders without legal papers, and gives a sense of security to the residents of border areas. From 1965 to October 2021, they covered an area about 15 kilometers from the international border of India. In October this year, their responsibility was increased. Now, they have to cover an area up to 50 kilometers from the international border.
The only camel dasta of the Indian Defence Forces belongs to the BSF. They are very conspicuous (easy to notice) because of their unique appearance.
During war time and at the time of a natural disaster, BSF personnel play the same role as Indian Army personnel.
You can read the official history of BSF here.
On December 1st, 2022, BSF celebrates its 58th Raising Day.
Today, BSF has 2,65,000 warriors, 193 battalions, and 7 Artillery Regiments.
Many events have been organised to mark the event.
