PC calls Sino-India frontier 'most difficult border'

Bhanu (Panchkula):


With a glint of pride in their eyes and armed with INSAS rifles, 209 women personnel on Friday joined the ranks of the ITBP to guard the Sino-Indian frontier, which Union Home Minister P Chidamabaram termed as "one of the most difficult and challenging borders".

Calling it a "historic event", Chidambaram, who took the salute of the first women constable's contingent of the force at the basic training centre here, said with this passing out parade, the women will be able to "regulate international trade between India and China at Nathu La and Sherathung trade markets besides escorting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatris".

The new contingent will also be used to provide security to vital installations, rescue and relief operations including disaster management, perception management and psychological operations in border villages and during festivals, public meetings and agitations.

Chidamabaram congratulated the families of the women, "especially their parents for taking a bold decision to let them join a force entrusted with guarding one of the most difficult and challenging borders of India."

Marching to the tunes of 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Jaa...', the women staged an impressive parade as they became the first combat counterparts to their male colleagues in the 48 years of the history of the force.

Chidambaram said, "It is always a proud moment when you are the first. These 209 woman constables will always cherish this day even as today is written in golden letters in the history of the ITBP."

He lauded the women, who took the oath of duty dressed in blue beret caps and khaki uniforms, for "successfully completing the rigorous and gruelling training schedule of 44 weeks."

The women, drawn form various states of the country, started their training in February last year and are now adept in unarmed combat, weapon firing, commando tactics, map reading and other security-related drills.

ITBP Director General Vikram Srivastava said the women personnel would be further trained in counter-insurgency and jungle warfare and a Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad will also be formed in order to raise an independent women's battalion.

The women contingent took their oath before the tricolour besides the force's insignia and an array of weapons like Light Machine Guns, Under Barrel Grenade Launchers, INSAS rifles and rocket launchers.

The 50,000 personnel-strong Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) guards the 3,488-km long Sino-Indian border. It is also protecting the Indian embassy in Afghanistan and securing VIPs.