The Border Security Force (BSF), India’s first line of defence, is set to celebrate its 58th Raising Day here tomorrow.

It was on December 1, 1965 that the first sector of the Punjab Frontier of the BSF was raised with its headquarters in Jalandhar. The Western Frontier initially comprised of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat and with its headquarters at Jalandhar.

First sector of Punjab Frontier

It was on December 1, 1965 that the first sector of the Punjab Frontier of the BSF was raised with its headquarters in Jalandhar.

Over 7,000 women serving in the force

After the Indian Army, the BSF is the only Central Armed Police Force in the nation that has an independent air wing, effective artillery regiment, dedicated marine division and a special intelligence branch.

The BSF is also the sole paramilitary organisation globally to use an active camel cavalry to patrol the sands of the Thar Desert, which comprise of the common border between India and Pakistan.

The ‘Creek Crocodile - a Quick Reaction Team made of BSF commandos - was also raised to counter threats like that of 26/11. They guard the brackish waters of the Kutch region in Sir Creek to prevent cross-border infiltration.

Despite being a border force, more than 7,000 women of all ranks are serving in the force on the eastern and western theatre.

Ashwani Kumar was its first Inspector General. During 1972, Sector Headquarters Faridkot (now Sector HQ Abohar) was created. Sector Headquarter Gurdaspur and Ferozepur were raised in 1988.

This Central Armed Police Force has written a glorious saga of valour, sacrifices and dedication. Besides proving its credentials during the 1971 war, the Punjab militancy, the North-East insurgency and the J&K militancy and anti-Naxal operations, the force has also proved its mettle during natural calamities, human relations, adventure, sports activities and many matters of national importance.