Bravehearts at borders

The BSF, which emerged as a frontline protagonist in the fierce four-day exchange with Pakistan, is an embodiment of courage and resilience, but requires a tech-driven reset

- SOMESH GOYAL

In the four-day war with Pakistan following the dastardly killing of 25 Indians and a Nepali national after religious profiling by a terrorist group supported by Pakistan's ISI, one unlikely hero emerged—earning rich encomiums from our Prime Minister to strategic commentators: the largest border-guarding force in the world, the Border Security Force (BSF).

The BSF is the first line of defence on the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders. They bear the brunt of cross-border hostilities by attracting the enemy's ire and fire to their posts right on the border fence.

In the recently paused war, two Bordermen—as the BSF bravehearts are called—made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The first to fall to the enemy drone attack was Sub Inspector Mohammed Imtiaz, who was guarding the border in the RS Pura sector in Jammu. Constable (GD) Deepak Chingakham attained veergati while defending his post against enemy shelling during Operation Sindoor.

BSF: The Guardians India shares land borders with seven countries: Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan. It shares a 3,323-km land border with Pakistan in the west and northwest. The BSF is entrusted with guarding this border as well as the 4,000-km border with Bangladesh.

The BSF has grown from 25 battalions in 1965 to 193, with a sanctioned strength of 270,000 personnel. Another 16 battalions are reportedly approved to further strengthen the presence at the borders.

Role In peacetime, BSF's responsibilities include border guarding and security, prevention of trans-border crimes, unauthorised entry into or exit from Indian territory, prevention of smuggling and other illegal activities, anti-infiltration duties, collection of trans-border intelligence, and promotion of a sense of security among people living in border areas.