AGARTALA, Dec 1 (TIWN): To mark the celebration of the 50 years of golden jubilee of BSF, IG Farooque held press meet at BSF head quarter on Tuesday.

Addressing the press meet of BSF IG Farooque said that from 25 battalions in 1965 BSF has raised upto to 186 battalions, deploying more than 250,000 personnel out of which 18bn are deployed in Tripura state under 4 sector HQs.

He further said that BSF is safeguarding over 856km border of Tripura state along the India Bangladesh border.

Enhancing on the events conducted in view  of Golden Jubilee year he further said that Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan, Pension Adalat, Limca book of records for Maximum plantation, Cultural programme, Felicitation to NOKs of BSF martyrs, Half marathon run and other miscellaneous events are organised on the occasion.

However, laying stress on the initiatives taken on the India-Bangladesh border, IG Farooque further said that Vulnerability mapping of Vulnerable patches on India Bangladesh border is carried out from time to time, Simultaneous Co-ordination patrolling with BGB is being carried out of all along the international border during day and nights hours to check on movement of Trans border criminals. Improved relationship with border guards Bangladesh through various confidence building measures like proposals for establishment of number of border haats along Indo Bangladesh border, however two border haats are already functioning in Meghalaya –Sunamganj border, a Joint task force of BSF and BGB has been set up to check FICN smuggling and others.

Apart from this Farooque also said that due to peculiarities of terrain and demographical differences BSF is facing several challenges for guarding the border like militancy in eastern segment and smuggling and other Trans border criminal activities.

He further mentioned that despite all hurdles BSF is always looking forward to the safety of the nation and the security of the people.