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Introduction

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is India’s Central Paramilitary Force (CPMF), which is controlled by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Its primary mission is to protect the geopolitically and strategically significant Indo-China border, which it shares with the Indian army. 

  • ITBP owes its origin to the Indo-China conflict in 1962 to keep a sharp vigil on the unmanned borders of India and Tibet as the Sino-Indian War of 1962 exposed: 
  • The glaring weakness in India’s protection of its border with China. 
  • India’s inability to engage in mountain warfare and operations in high altitude areas. 
  • It is in this background that the ITBP came into being in 1962.

Major Duties of ITBP 

  • To carry out surveillance on the northern borders, detect and prevent border violations, and promote the feeling of security among the regional population. Check trans-border smuggling, crimes and illegal immigration. 
  • Providing security to critical installations, banks, and protected individuals; restoring and maintaining order in any location in the case of a disturbance.

ITBP and Border Protection 

  • Guarding the Indo-China border is the primary duty of ITBP. 
  • Presently ITBP has been guarding the entire India-China border across five states covering Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh from the Karakoram Pass in Jammu & Kashmir to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.

ITBP and Internal Security 

  • ITBP units have been deployed across the country for a variety of internal security missions, including counterinsurgency operations in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other areas affected by left-wing extremism. 
  • Other internal security missions include riot control, law and order, and election security.

ITBP and Disaster Management 

  • ITBP has been performing an important role in disaster management activities in the country and is the first responder for various natural disasters in the Himalayas. 
  • It participated in numerous rescue and relief operations during disasters in the Himalayan region as well as in other parts of the country. For example, in 2013, ITBP saved around thirty thousand pilgrims from Char Dham Yatra routes during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods tragedy. 
  • It also trains other troops in disaster management through its National Centre for Training in Search, Rescue, and Disaster Response, which is situated in Haryana.

ITBP and UN Missions 

  • ITBP frequently participates in UN peacekeeping Missions. As part of these missions, ITBP Personnel has been deployed in countries like Angola, Namibia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Cambodia, Mozambique, and Congo.