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The Border Security Force (BSF) is a central armed police force in India, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is one of the world's largest border guarding forces, known for its motto "Jeevan Paryant Kartavya" (Duty Unto Death).

Here's a detailed overview of the BSF:

1. Formation and History:

• The BSF was established on December 1, 1965, in the wake of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

• Prior to its formation, India's international borders were primarily guarded by state armed police battalions, which proved insufficient against armed aggression.

• The need for a unified central agency to secure India's international boundaries led to the creation of the BSF.

• K.F. Rustamji, an IPS officer, was the first chief and founding father of the organization.

• The BSF played a crucial role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, including the Battle of Longewala.

2. Roles and Responsibilities:

The BSF's multifaceted roles encompass border security, internal security, and other crucial duties.

• Peacetime Roles:

  • Guarding India's international borders, primarily with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

  • Promoting a sense of security among people living in border areas.

  • Preventing trans-border crimes, including smuggling, illegal immigration, and human trafficking.

  • Carrying out anti-infiltration activities.

  • Gathering trans-border intelligence.

• Wartime Roles:

  • Holding ground in assigned sectors.¹

    
    

  • Limited aggressive action against irregular forces of the enemy.²

    
    

  • Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administered under the Army's control.³

    
    

  • Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.⁴

    
    

  • Assistance in control⁵ling refugees and providing escorts.

    
    

  • Performing special tasks connected with intelligence, including cross-border raids.

• Internal Security Duties:

  • Deployed for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and the Northeastern states.

  • Combating Naxal violence in central India.

  • Assisting local administration during natural calamities and civil disturbances (disaster response and humanitarian assistance).

  • Community engagement and development activities in border regions to foster trust and cooperation.

3. Organization Structure:

• The BSF has its headquarters in New Delhi, known as Force Headquarters (FHQ), headed by a Director General (DG), who is an IPS officer.

• It comprises various directorates such as Operations, Communications & IT, Training, Engineering, General, Law, Provisioning, Administration, Personnel, Armaments, Medical, and Finance.

• The BSF has a hierarchical structure, including Gazetted Officers (GOs), Subordinate Officers (SOs), and Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs), with clearly defined ranks and responsibilities.

• It has specialized wings, including an Air Wing, Water Wing, and Artillery Regiment. It also has specialized units like the Special Operations Group (SOG) for counter-terrorism and commando operations, and units for combat and survival training.

• The BSF also maintains animal units (dogs and horses) for search and rescue, explosive detection, and patrolling.

4. Operations and Deployments:

• The BSF is deployed along India's land borders, which span over 6,000 kilometers, sharing boundaries with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

• It conducts regular patrols, establishes observation posts, and maintains a strong presence along the international borders.

• The BSF has been actively involved in strengthening border security through fencing projects and infrastructure development.

• In recent developments, the BSF is raising its first "drone squadron" for deployment along the India-Pakistan border to counter drone threats. This squadron will comprise an assortment of reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack drones, operated by specially trained personnel from specific border outposts. This initiative is a response to escalating drone use and lessons learned from recent military conflicts like "Operation Sindoor."

The BSF is a highly professional and dedicated force, continuously adapting to new challenges and employing modern technology to safeguard India's borders and contribute to national security.

*source: google gemini