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The Home Minister, Shri Shivraj Patil has cautioned against any complacency in the country’s fight against terrorism. Speaking at the 39th Raising Day Function of the Border Security Force (BSF) here this morning, he said that after 11th September, 2001, there has been a sea change in the attitude of the world community and a joint campaign against terrorism has begun. However, there should be no slackness in the fight against various terrorist outfits operating in the country. The Home Minister stressed the need for self-reliance in fighting terrorism. He regretted that thousands of innocent people and security force personnel have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and the north-east. BSF has played an important role in this fight. He pointed out that during the current year, 57 officers and jawans of the Force sacrificed their lives for maintaining the unity and integrity of the country. The Home Minister said that the Government would take all possible steps to equip the BSF with modern arms, communication systems and other facilities.
Earlier, the Director General of BSF, Shri Ajay Raj Sharma stressed the need to maintain some reserve battalions or raise some new battalions of BSF to be able to meet the training needs of the Force.
The Home Minister inspected the impressive and colourful Raising Day Parade. He also took salute of marching contingents. Shri Patil also presented to officers and jawans of BSF the President’s Police Medals for gallantry and for distinguished service. A colourful camel tattoo show was also presented on the occasion.
BSF is the largest border guarding force in the world with around two lakh officers and men. Besides guarding more than 6500 kilometres of borders in eastern and western sectors, it has been engaged in internal security and counter-insurgency duties and has also been assisting relief operations during disasters like floods and earthquakes.
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