Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Why in News?

The Director General said recently at the ITBP’s 64^th Raising Day Parade in Udhampur that ITBP is set to establish all-woman forward posts at 10 locations along the 3,488 km India-China border.

• It is a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Nickname – It is known as the “Himveers” (brave soldiers of the Himalayas).
• Formation – It was raised on October 24, 1962, in the aftermath of the Sino-Indian War, to guard the Himalayan borders.
• Formed under – ITBP was initially raised under the CRPF Act, however, in 1992, parliament enacted the ITBPF Act, and the rules thereunder were framed in 1994.
• Primary role – At present, the ITBP guards a 3,488 km-long India-China border ranging from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Motto – “Shaurya – Dridhata - Karma Nishtha” (Valour – Determination – Devotion to Duty).
• Functions – Border Security – Vigil on the northern borders, detection and prevention of border violations, and promotion of the sense of security among the local populace.
• Internal Security – Deployed for counter-insurgency and election duties, checks illegal immigration, trans-border smuggling, and crimes.
• Disaster Response – Specialized in mountaineering, rescue, and relief during earthquakes, floods, and avalanches.
• Security – Protects sensitive installations, banks, and protected persons.
• UN peacekeeping operations – The Force is deployed for peacekeeping operations in Angola, Namibia, Cambodia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Mozambique, and Kosovo.
• Strategic Importance – ITBP is often called the “Sentinels of the Himalayas” because of its deployment in extreme terrain and weather.
• Plays a crucial role in India-China border standoffs (e.g., Doklam, Galwan).
• Works in coordination with the Army but remains under civilian control (MHA).

References

Indian Express | ITBP to establish 10 all-woman forward posts