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Border Security Force (BSF)

2021 OCT 14

Preliminary   > Security   >   Border area management   >   Security forces

Why in news?

  • The Union Home Ministry has enhanced the powers of the Border Security Force (BSF) to “arrest, search and seize” within 50 km from the international boundary in Assam, West Bengal and Punjab.

More about the news:

  • Earlier, the BSF’s limit was fixed up to 80 km from the international boundary in Gujarat and 15 km in Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Assam.
  • The new notification replaces a 2014 order under the BSF Act, 1968, which also covered the States of Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.
  • The violations for which the BSF carries out search and seizure include smuggling of narcotics, other prohibited items, illegal entry of foreigners and offences punishable under any other Central Act among others.
  • After a suspect has been detained or a consignment seized within the specified area, the BSF can only conduct “preliminary questioning” and has to hand over the suspect to the local police within 24 hours. The BSF does not have the powers to prosecute crime suspects.

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs):

  • Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) refers to uniform nomenclature of five Central Armed Police Forces of the Union of India under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Their role is to defend the national interest mainly against the internal threats.
  • They are:
    • Border Security Force (BSF)
    • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
    • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
    • Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
    • Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

About Border Security Force (BSF):

  • BSF is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces of India.
  • It was raised in the wake of the 1965 War on 1 December 1965, for ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters connected there with.
  • It is deployed on Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Line of Control (LoC) along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations.
  • It has an air wing, marine wing, an artillery regiment, and commando units.
  • It contributes dedicated services to the UN peacekeeping Mission by sending a large contingent of its trained manpower every year.
  • It has been termed as the First Line of Defence of Indian Territories.

Role:

  • In the period of peace:
    • To promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
    • Prevention of cross-border crimes and prohibition of unauthorized entry and exit into Indian territory.
    • Prevention of smuggling and other illegal activities.
      • In addition to its duties, the Border Security Force has been deployed for anti-insurgency and internal security duties over the years.
  • In the event of war:
    • To remain in low threat areas till the main attack develops in a particular area and it is felt that the Border Security Force is capable of dealing with the local situation.
    • Even in the event of war, units of the Border Security Force can be deployed in a particular area to free the army for offensive operations.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Border Security Force (BSF)?

1. It functions under the Ministry of Defence.

2. It has powers to arrest, search and seize within 50 km from the international boundary in Assam, West Bengal and Punjab.

3. The BSF does not have the powers to prosecute crime suspects.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer