The Border Security Force (BSF), aptly recognized as the country’s first line of defence, is not only a premier armed police force in India but also the largest border-guarding force in the world. With a rich and distinguished history, the BSF proudly celebrates its 60th Raising Day on December 1, 2024.
Raised on 01 December 1965, based on the experiences gained during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and to further strengthen the defence of the country’s borders, BSF was established as a specialised, centrally controlled force to guard India’s borders and ensure internal security. Its first chief and founder was Shri K.F. Rustamji, I.P. Initially in 1965, BSF was constituted as a specialised, centrally controlled force to protect India’s borders and ensure internal security. BSF was raised with 25 Battalions and with the passage of time, it was expanded as per the requirement of the nation to fight against insurgency in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, North-East region etc. At present BSF has 192 (including 04 NDRF) Battalions and 07 BSF Artillery Regiments guarding the International Border with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Apart from this, BSF is also playing an active role in anti-infiltration role in Kashmir Valley, control of insurgency in North-East region, anti-Naxal operations in the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and guarding Integrated Check Posts on Pakistan and Bangladesh International Border.
South Bengal Frontier: Guardian of 913 km long border in West Bengal
South Bengal Frontier of BSF plays the important responsibility of guarding the International Border with Bangladesh in the sensitive and challenging terrain of District South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, Murshidabad and Malda of West Bengal. The border areas covered under 04 Sector Headquarters and 20 Battalions in this frontier include the challenging Sundarbans area, riverine areas, charland areas, densely populated villages and unfenced areas, making it one of the most challenging areas for surveillance. The tireless efforts of BSF jawans have ensured peace, security and integrity on this important border.
Major achievements of the year 2024:-
Gold and Silver Smuggling:
₹120 crore blow to smuggling network
In 2024, BSF South Bengal Frontier achieved unprecedented success in thwarting smuggling activities, seizing 170.48 kg of gold worth ₹118.63 crore and 159 kg of silver worth ₹1.15 crore. A total of 105 gold smuggling cases were busted, resulting in the arrest of 86 Indian and 32 Bangladeshi smugglers.
The smugglers used innovative methods including hiding gold in the body, cavities of vehicles, soles of shoes, agricultural implements, etc., but the intelligence network of BSF and the vigilance of the jawans foiled their every attempt. Even the smuggling of gold in the form of paste was foiled, confirming the technical and tactical superiority of the BSF.
War against drugs: Drug smuggling reduced –
BSF South Bengal Frontier has continued its relentless fight against the drug menace. The following were seized under various operations in the year 2024:
1. 1,73,628 bottles of Phensedyl, worth ₹3.62 crore,
2. 1,223 kg of ganja,
3. 69,702 Yaba tablets, worth ₹6.95 crore, and
4. 17.5 kg of narcotic powder.
Also, the arrest of 51 smugglers (41 Indians and 10 Bangladeshis) has given a major blow to the drug smuggling rackets across the border.
Effective check on infiltration –
Despite the riverine and unfenced areas, the BSF has successfully dealt with illegal cross-border infiltration. Using advanced surveillance systems including CCTV cameras, PTZ cameras and drones, the border area has developed a robust surveillance mechanism under the Electronic Surveillance for Vulnerable Patches (ESVP) initiative. This year, the BSF apprehended 1,742 infiltrators (1,301 Bangladeshi and 441 Indian), including 39 brokers who facilitated infiltration.
These efforts have controlled illegal infiltration to a great extent and ensured the security of the nation.
Apart from this, the contribution of units operating under South Bengal Frontier in human trafficking and wildlife rescue has also been commendable. Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) of the area have been successful rescued many Bangladeshi and Indian women from the vicious network of human trafficking. In addition, more than 800 endangered species including Peruvian Alpaca and rare Chinese Golden Pheasant were rescued from traffickers and handed over to the Forest Department for rehabilitation.
Empowering Border Communities:
A force for progress, BSF South Bengal Frontier is working beyond its call of duty for the overall upliftment of border communities and ensured their development and welfare. The major initiatives include:
Skill Development for Youth: BSF regularly conducts training programmes for written and physical examinations to help local youth get employment in CAPFs. These efforts have benefited hundreds of candidates, paving their path to a career in the armed forces.
Seema Darshan Programme: Under this awareness programme, school children in border areas are introduced to BSF operations and infrastructure. These visits instill motivation and pride in the nation among students, showcasing the vital role of BSF in national security.
Medical Camps for Needy Communities: BSF has organised several medical camps, providing free healthcare services to the underprivileged population in remote border villages. These camps provide life saving treatment and medicines, thereby improving the well-being of border residents. In the medical camps organized in the year 2024, 9125 border people were treated and medicines were distributed free of cost.
Strengthening India-Bangladesh Relations-
In line with its unwavering commitment to effective border management, BSF South Bengal Frontier maintains strong bilateral relations with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). In 2024, BSF and BGB held
1 Inspector General-level meeting,
3 DIG-level meetings, and
23 Commandant-level discussions.
These interactions promote trust, cooperation and regional stability, thereby improving border security.
BSF South Bengal Frontier has completed a year of unparalleled success and the achievement during this period in maintaining intact border, peace in border areas and prevention of crimes demonstrates the unwavering vigilance, bravery and complete dedication of the force to the country. The motto of the Border Security Force is “Jeevan Prayatam Kartavya” and the force has always lived up to it.
