Indo-Tibetan Border Police

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Nathu_La_Pass_-_Indian_Army_Dancing_with_Civilians

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is one of the Central Armed Police Forces of India. It was established on 24 October 1962, under the CRPF Act, in the wake of the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The ITBP is primarily tasked with guarding the Indo-China border and ensuring the security of the Himalayan region.

History

The ITBP was created in response to the need for a specialized force to secure India's border with Tibet following the Sino-Indian War. Initially, the force was raised under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act, but it was later restructured and expanded to meet the growing security challenges along the border.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of the ITBP is to guard the 3,488 km long border between India and China. The force is also responsible for:

• Border security
• Counter-insurgency operations
• Disaster management
• VIP security
• Rescue operations in the Himalayas

Organization

The ITBP is headed by a Director General (DG), who is an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS). The force is divided into various frontiers, each headed by an Inspector General (IG). The frontiers are further divided into sectors, battalions, and companies.

Training

The ITBP personnel undergo rigorous training in mountaineering, skiing, martial arts, and tactical operations. The force has specialized training centers, including the Mountaineering and Skiing Institute in Auli, Uttarakhand.

Operations

The ITBP has been involved in various operations, including:

• Operation Vijay during the Kargil War
• Rescue operations during the Uttarakhand floods of 2013
• Counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir

Uniform and Insignia

The ITBP personnel wear a distinctive uniform that includes a camouflage pattern suitable for the Himalayan terrain. The insignia of the ITBP features crossed khukuris, symbolizing the force's readiness and valor.

See Also

• Border Security Force
• Sashastra Seema Bal
• Central Reserve Police Force
• National Security Guard

Related Pages

• Sino-Indian War
• Himalayas
• Ministry of Home Affairs (India)
• Indian Police Service