The Eyes and Ears of India

Border Security Force, the largest Border Guarding Force of the world was raised on 1ST Dec 1965. Tasked with inculcating a sense of security, preventing trans-border crimes and smuggling, the force also has a war time role as the first line of defence. This book aims to highlight the role played by the force in ensuring security and integrity of the country about which there is very limited information available in public domain. The force besides guarding the borders has played an important role in controlling militancy in North East, Kashmir, and Punjab. A large strength of the force is presently deployed in central India in Anti Maoist operations. The force also has played an active role in 1971 war with Pakistan, liberation of Bangladesh and Kargil Operations. Force is frequently deployed to assist the civil administration in smooth conduct of Parliament, Legislative assembly and other elections. The force personnel in 54 years of dedicated service to the nation having won many laurels including Padma Bhushan, Padam Shri, Mahavir Chakra and other gallantry and other medals. The contents have been divided into seven chapters which take the reader through the history of evolution of borders of India in the first chapter to evolution of border management in India in the second chapter. The third chapter discusses the organization, Role and equipment of BSF. Fourth and Fifth chapters respectively deal with the role played by BSF in war effort and internal security. The sixth chapter assesses various security challenges faced by BSF on the Eastern and Western Frontiers. The seventh and chapter analyses the future challenges and recommendations for BSF. Written in easy English, it is hoped that the readers will find it informative and useful.