THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Bhuj, Nov 21: The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 61st Raising Day in Bhuj on Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the ceremony as the chief guest and paid homage to BSF personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Shah laid wreaths at the memorial at the 176th Battalion campus in Haripar, Bhuj.
The BSF was established in 1965 following the Indo-Pak war, initially with 25 battalions. Over time, the force expanded, especially after the rise of terrorism in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and the northeastern region. According to reports, the BSF currently comprises 193 battalions (including three NDRF units) and seven BSF Artillery Regiments.
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BSF battalions are deployed along the international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and also assist in counter-infiltration operations in Kashmir. The force has also taken part in anti-Naxal operations across Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Earlier this year in May, Amit Shah shared that after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, BSF personnel destroyed more than 118 Pakistani posts during Operation Sindoor along the Jammu border. With more than 2.7 lakh personnel, the BSF is considered the world’s largest border guarding force.
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Amit Shah stated that until 2024, a total of 1,992 BSF personnel have laid down their lives while protecting the nation. He added that 1,330 personnel have been honoured with gallantry awards, including one Maha Vir Chakra, six Kirti Chakras, 13 Vir Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, 56 Sena Medals, and 1,241 Police Medals.
