Jodhpur, December 8: Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored the memory of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation during the BSF’s 60th Foundation Day Parade held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on Sunday. The BSF commemorates its Raising Day on December 1, marking its establishment in 1965.
During the event, Shah recognized the bravery of BSF soldiers who recently neutralized three terrorists from Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) in a successful operation. The occasion was attended by various dignitaries, including senior officials from the BSF.
In addition to the ceremony, Shah plans to unveil a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Circuit House. On Armed Forces Flag Day, which fell on Saturday, he paid tribute to the armed forces for their “valour and patriotism” and appealed to the public to contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
He expressed his sentiments in a post on X, stating, “I offer my respects to the indomitable martyrs of our armed forces on Armed Forces Flag Day. Their bravery and patriotism have forged timeless narratives of sacrifice to uphold our nation’s dignity.”
Additionally, he encouraged public donations to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which supports the welfare of military personnel and their families. Shah was also honored with a miniature flag by the Sainik Welfare and Resettlement of Gujarat State.
Before the establishment of the BSF in 1965 following the India-Pakistan war, the border with Pakistan was monitored by the State Armed Police Battalion. Initially, the BSF was formed with 25 battalions and has since expanded to meet the nation’s security needs, particularly in combating militancy in regions such as Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Northeast.
Currently, the BSF comprises 192 battalions, including three National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) units, along with seven artillery regiments responsible for securing the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the BSF plays a crucial role in anti-infiltration operations in the Kashmir Valley, counter-insurgency activities in the Northeast, anti-Naxal operations in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and securing integrated check posts along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. (Agencies)
