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New Delhi, October 24 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on its 64th Raising Day, praising the sacrifice and humanitarian service of the force.
Taking it further, PM Modi said, “Heartiest greetings to all ITBP Himveers and their families on their raising day. The force is a symbol of unmatched courage, discipline and devotion to duty.”
“Serving in the harshest climates and most difficult terrains, they protect the nation with unwavering resolve. Their compassion and promptness during disaster relief and rescue operations reflects the finest traditions of service and humanity,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also congratulated ITBP on its raising day.
“On ITBP Raising Day, I salute the brave heroes of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police who stand as the first line of defense on our Himalayan borders,” Radhakrishnan said in a message.
“Since its inception, the ITBP has exemplified courage, discipline and unwavering commitment to protect our country’s borders and people. Their tireless vigilance, humanitarian service and dedication inspire pride and confidence in India’s strength and security,” he said in a message on Twitter.
ITBP was established on October 24, 1962. At present, the force guards the 3,488 km long India-China border from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
Apart from this, the force also plays a vital role in various internal security duties and operations against Left Wing Extremism in the state of Chhattisgarh.
According to the Home Ministry, most of the border outposts (BOPs) of the ITBP are located at an altitude of 9,000 feet to 18,800 feet, where the temperature drops to minus 45 degrees Celsius in extreme winters.
ITBP is a special armed police force of the country which trains its personnel in various disciplines including mountaineering and skiing apart from intensive tactical training, thereby creating an elite image of the force.
The force also conducts relief and rescue operations as ‘first responders’ to natural disasters in the Himalayan region. The force has responded to hundreds of search, rescue and relief operations over the years to provide assistance to civilians in distress due to various disasters.
–IANS
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