Asserting the critical importance of a secure border for India’s internal security, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval proposed the integration of all Central Police Organisations (CPOs) to ensure a comprehensive and secure border. “The integration of our CPOs will enhance operability and foster greater integrity. Even state police could collaborate and amalgamate with border forces. However, it remains an idea,” Doval expressed during his address at the 21st BSF Investiture Ceremony of the Border Security Force (BSF) in New Delhi.
Nevertheless, numerous retired officials of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) attending the event voiced reservations about the proposal. Speaking to ETV Bharat, a retired inspector general of BSF remarked, “Consolidating all the forces may dilute their distinct identities.”
Doval urged border guarding agencies to cultivate friendly relations with border communities, emphasizing that defending the border is impossible without their support. “Forge alliances with border residents. Border defense falters when residents turn hostile. At least, foster goodwill on our side. Residents should not perceive us as authoritarian figures,” Doval urged.
Additionally, NSA Doval advocated for the adoption of cutting-edge technology for border security. Citing the recent rocket and missile attacks by Hamas on Israel, Doval illustrated, “Despite a barrage of missile attacks, nearly 99 percent were intercepted. Only a few managed to breach through…all thanks to technological prowess.”
According to Doval, leveraging advanced technology played a pivotal role in averting a catastrophic terror attack in Israel. “Technological advancements are imperative. Border security forces must remain vigilant as border security significantly impacts India’s internal stability and security,” Doval stressed.
Emphasizing the importance of vulnerability mapping for strategic planning, Doval underscored, “Understanding our vulnerabilities is crucial. Border vulnerability remains a pressing concern. However, India has made significant strides in addressing this issue over the past decade.”
Doval warned that vulnerability on both eastern and western borders would jeopardize internal security. He highlighted the central government’s concerted efforts over the past decade to bolster security and management along India’s borders.
“Every Diwali, the Prime Minister commemorates with border security personnel. He takes a personal interest in ensuring the presence of all bordering state heads at the border,” Doval noted. He commended the exceptional role of BSF in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty by ensuring the integrity of international borders and managing various internal security challenges effectively.
During the ceremony, BSF Director General Nitin Agrawal reiterated the force’s commitment to enhancing its strategic preparedness, infrastructure, weaponry, and training. Referring to the recent Kanker encounter with Maoists as a significant success, Agrawal highlighted the force’s substantial blows against the Maoist insurgency.
In a recent anti-Maoist operation, the BSF, alongside DRG, neutralized 29 hardcore Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Kanker region and seized a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Agrawal also mentioned various initiatives undertaken by the agency in border areas to foster goodwill and gain the trust of border residents, including medical camps, educational programs, sports competitions, and adventure camps for children at border posts.
During the 21st BSF Investiture Ceremony, 17 BSF members were honored with medals, including 10 awarded Police Medals for Gallantry (PMG) and seven awarded Jeevan Raksha Padak (JRP). Retired DGs and IGs of BSF, DGs of CAPFs, and serving officers from different Ministries of the Government of India graced the occasion with their presence.