Prime Minister recently extended greetings to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on its 64th Raising Day, commending the force for its unwavering dedication, courage, and humanitarian service in protecting the nation’s frontiers.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is one of India's five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), primarily tasked with guarding the India-China border. Established on October 24, 1962, following the Sino-Indian War, it operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The ITBP is known as the "Sentinels of the Himalayas" due to its challenging deployment in high-altitude Himalayan regions. 

History

• Formation: The ITBP was formed on October 24, 1962, in the wake of the Sino-Indian War to bolster intelligence and security along the Indo-Tibetan border.
• Establishment Act: Initially raised under the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Act, the ITBP received its own parliamentary act, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force Act, in 1992.
• "One Border, One Force" Policy: Following the Kargil War, the Group of Ministers (GoM) recommended the "One Border, One Force" policy, which assigned the entire 3,488 km India-China border to the ITBP in 2004. This included replacing the Assam Rifles in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. 

Primary roles and responsibilities
The ITBP's primary duty is border guarding along the India-China border in challenging high-altitude conditions. The force also plays a significant role in disaster management, particularly in the Himalayan region. Additionally, ITBP units are deployed for internal security, counter-insurgency operations, law and order maintenance, and contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. They also provide security for sensitive installations and VIPs, and conduct civic action programs in remote border areas. The ITBP operates a National Centre for Training in Search, Rescue & Disaster Response. 

Training and specialized skills
Given its deployment in mountainous terrain, the ITBP provides specialized training in mountain warfare, rock climbing, skiing, and survival. They have various training centers, including the ITBP Academy and the Mountaineering & Skiing Institute. The force is also known for its high-altitude expertise, with activities like ice hockey and expeditions. 

Organization
The ITBP's motto is "Shaurya – Dridhata – Karm Nishtha," meaning "Valour – Steadfastness – Commitment". Headquartered in New Delhi, the force is led by a Director General and is structured into commands, frontiers, and battalions. 

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