Border Security Force (BSF)
- It was established in 1965.
- It is headed by an IPS officer.
- It is a border guarding force guarding India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh during peacetime.
- It works to prevent trans-border criminal activities.
- Some of its battalions are also deployed in the Naxal hit region of Dandkaranya and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Two of its battalions located at Kolkata and Guwahati are designated as the National Disaster Response Force.
Role of BSF during war:
- Holding ground in less threatened sectors so long as the main attack does not develop in a particular sector and it is felt that the local situation is within the capability of the BSF to deal with.
- Protection of vital installations.
- Providing extension to the flanks of main defence line by the holding of strong points in conjunction with other units.
- Limited aggressive action against para military or irregular forces of the enemy within the overall plan of the Armed Forces.
- Performing special tasks connected with intelligence including raids. Such tasks will be entrusted to the BSF unit by the army in a war situation according to local necessity.
- Acting as guides to the Army in border areas.
- Maintenance of law and order in enemy territory administered under the control of Army.
- Provision of escorts.
- Guarding of prisoners of war cages.
- Assistance in control of refugees.
- Anti-infiltration duties in specified areas.
Role of BSF during peacetime:
- Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
- Prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.
- Anti infiltration duties.
- To collect trans-border intelligence.
In the last few years the BSF has, in addition to their duties, been deployed for counter insurgency and internal security duties
Read More: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
