The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces in India. It is responsible for guarding India’s border with China along the Himalayan mountain range. The ITBP was established in 1962 in the aftermath of the Indo-China War, and it currently operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ITBP is known for its expertise in high-altitude operations and has been involved in various border incidents with China in the past.
New battalions of the ITBP
The Cabinet Committee on Security recently approved a proposal to raise seven new battalions of the ITBP. The decision to raise new battalions is aimed at strengthening the border security of India and to better equip the ITBP to deal with any future border incidents. The proposal for the new battalions was pending for some time, and with the recent approval, the process of recruitment and training of new personnel will commence soon.
The ITBP involvement
The ITBP has been involved in various law enforcement activities, disaster management, and civil medical camps, in addition to its primary responsibility of border security. It has also played an active role in various UN peacekeeping missions. The force is known for its expertise in high-altitude operations and is equipped with a mountaineering unit that has scaled some of the highest peaks in the world.
The ITBP Role
The ITBP is also responsible for providing security to various critical infrastructure projects along the India-China border, including roads, bridges, and hydroelectric projects. The force has been actively involved in the construction of various border infrastructure projects that are aimed at strengthening India’s border infrastructure.
The ITBP has been actively involved in patrolling the India-China border and has been involved in various border incidents with China in the past. In 2020, the ITBP played a crucial role in the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley. The ITBP personnel were involved in the skirmish with the Chinese troops that resulted in the loss of lives of both sides.
High-altitude operations
The ITBP is known for its specialized training in high-altitude operations, including mountaineering, skiing, and river rafting. It has established a mountaineering and skiing institute in Auli, Uttarakhand, which is one of the best mountaineering institutes in India. The institute has trained several personnel of the ITBP and other paramilitary forces in high-altitude operations.
