FORCES IN FLUX

India's paramilitary forces operate across hostile borders, insurgency zones, and critical infrastructure sites while also compassionately alleviating the suffering of people during floods, earthquakes, and pandemics. However, their heroic efforts are hampered by outdated equipment, inadequate training, poorly powered posts, and insufficient infrastructure.

- VISHAL DUGGAL

India's internal security framework revolves around the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Collectively, these organisations are known as the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and function under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The CAPFs operate in environments that most citizens rarely see but depend on daily. From the icy ridges overlooking the Line of Actual Control to the red corridors and dense forests of central India, and from desert outposts along the western frontier to the security checkpoints at busy international airports, these forces form a vital layer of the country's internal security system.

Their responsibilities are wide-ranging, including guarding borders, jungles, deserts, and high mountains; patrolling border posts and city events; conducting counterinsurgency operations; protecting strategic infrastructure; assisting with election security; and responding to natural disasters. During floods, earthquakes, and pandemics, personnel from these forces are often among the first responders on the ground. Yet behind the image of discipline and resilience lies a more complex operational reality.

The men and women serving in these forces operate in a rapidly changing security environment. Threats are becoming more technologically advanced, operational expectations keep rising, and deployments often take place in physically demanding conditions. While the Government of India has introduced modernisation programmes and expanded the workforce of these forces over the years, issues related to infrastructure, equipment availability, and personnel well-being continue to arise in field locations.