Union Minister of State for Home Shri Nityanand Rai takes Salute at 60th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Greater Noida
There is no better example of courage and dutifulness than that of the ITBP Jawans in harsh conditions of the Himalayas, the country is proud of your valour
Under leadership of the Prime Minister, emphasis was laid on the border security of the country and security forces were given freedom to take decisions according to circumstances, which boosted their morale
The Home Minister emphasized on equipping all Forces engaged in the security of the border and matters brought to notice were considered so that border guards are capable and come on top in any situation
Be it guarding borders or climbing the highest peaks of the Himalayan range, anti-Naxal operations or internal security duties, ITBP has left an indelible mark of service to the Nation in every field
The Union Minister of State for Home, Shri Nityanand Rai took the salute at the 60th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) held at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh today. Senior officers and Jawans of the Force including the Director General of ITBP were also present on the occasion.
In his address, Shri Nityanand Rai said that there is no better example of courage and devotion of ITBP Jawans in the harsh conditions of the Himalayas. The country is proud of your valour. The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said that the country and the world saw India in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, when there were skirmishes on the border with China. ITBP soldiers were vigilant throughout and did not let their adversaries succeed. ITBP has proved through 'Operation Snow Leopard' that ITBP is unique in protecting the country's borders. It is a matter of pride that 23 personnel of ITBP were awarded Police Medals of Bravery on the occasion of Independence Day this year, out of which 20 Jawans were awarded these medals for gallantry in 'Operation Snow Leopard'.
The Union Minister of State for Home said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, emphasis has been laid on the border security of the country and security forces have been given freedom to take decisions according to circumstances, which has boosted their morale. Emphasis has been placed on equipping all forces engaged in the work and whatever matters have been brought to notice have been looked into, so that border guards would be competent and victorious in any circumstance.
Shri Nityanand Rai said that the ITBP is known for its versatility and devotion to duty in a multidisciplinary field. Be it border guarding or climbing the highest peaks of the Himalayan range, anti-Naxal operations or internal security duties, ITBP has left an indelible mark of service to the Nation in every field. In various operations since 2018, 6 Naxalites were gunned down in encounters, 71 were apprehended and 187 surrendered. A huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered during this period.
The Minister of State for Home said that under the leadership of Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government has strengthened border security vigilance through technology and has included state-of-the-art and research-based systems so that any activity along the border can be closely monitored. This has empowered and enabled the security forces. The work of making proper arrangements to fill and monitor the gaps where there are gaps on the international border is going on continuously in a phased manner. In order to make ITBP more efficient, construction of infrastructure of 47 border posts and 12 staging camps was approved last year, discussions are in its final stages for approval of additional vehicles of ITBP for manpower.
Shri Rai said that the ITBP is called the 'Sentinel of the Himalayas'. Along with the security of the Himalayas, the force personnel have been playing the role of friend, guardian and protector of the residents there and accompanying the people there in all kinds of calamities. ITBP has served the citizens with great promptness by leading relief and rescue operations during adverse conditions in areas affected by natural calamities. They have safely evacuated, as well as conducted relief and rescue operations in the disasters that have taken place in Himachal Pradesh, which is commendable.
The Minister of State for Home said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, ITBP went ahead with courage and great enthusiasm and served the citizens. ITBP opened the country's first 1,000-bed quarantine center at Chhawla Camp in Delhi, where Indians coming back from abroad as well as citizens of 8 friendly countries were also quarantined. ITBP efficiently managed the 10,000 bedded Sardar Patel COVID-19 Care Center and Hospital in New Delhi. In the month of August this year, when Indian nationals from Afghanistan and nationals of Afghanistan and Nepal were brought to India with them, ITBP once again came forward and did a commendable job of keeping these 135 people in quarantine and taking care of their needs.
Shri Nityanand Rai said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, ITBP has performed brilliantly in International, National and All India Police Games and won 7 Gold, 6 Silver and 10 Bronze medals. Along with this, ITBP continued its excellent performance in adventure sports even during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the last two years carried out successful mountaineering expeditions to 9 peaks above 6,000 meters in the Himalayas. He said that we always think about the welfare of our soldiers and I want to assure you that we are fully aware of your problems and your difficult life and we are always trying to solve them. The Ministry of Home Affairs is very serious about working conditions, vehicles, buildings, roads, communication etc. and the need for them to reach forward posts.
The Union Minister of State for Home said that it is the endeavor of the Government to have a better system of stress management in the Central Armed Police Forces. ITBP has done much exemplary work to imbibe the 'Fit India Mission'. Fitness marches, runs, walks etc. have been organized throughout the year by the formations of ITBP, for which I extend my heartiest congratulations to all of you. Welfare works are being done by ITBP under the Civic Action and Border Area Development Program to instill confidence and security in the minds of the people in border areas, which include organizing medical camps, veterinary camps, drinking water facilities, repair of roads. Distribution of items required in daily living and writing and reading material for school children, distribution of free ration material etc. are prominent. These programs have definitely increased the trust of the people living in border areas towards the ITBP.
Mr. Rai said that I am glad that the ITBP is adopting various flagship campaigns of the Government of India and making the general public aware about them. I congratulate the Director General, ITBP and his team for your active participation in campaigns like Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav i, COVID-19 Public Awareness Movement, Vaccination Campaign, Environment Protection, Tree Plantation and Sanitation etc. May you all be successful and always carry forward the tradition of gallant service of Himveers with your perseverance and dedication. On the 60th Foundation Day of ITBP, I once again wish you and your families a happy, healthy and bright future.
NW/RK/AY/RR
(Release ID :225962)