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Context:

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has moved at least 33 border outposts (BOPs) closer to the India-China border as part of its forwardisation plan.

About Indo-Tibetan Border Police

Aspect	Details
Background	Established in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Created for deployment along the India-China border.
Legal Foundation	Initially established under the CRPF Act. The ITBPF Act was passed in 1992 and its rules were framed in 1994.
Full Fledged Status	In 2004, declared a full-fledged central armed police force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Motto	"Shaurya-Dridhata-Karma Nishtha" (Courage - Determination - Devotion to Duty)
Guarded Area	The ITBP guards the 3,488 km long India-China border through 197 Border Out Posts (BOPs) located at altitudes ranging from 9,000 feet to 18,750 feet.
Specialization	Specialized mountain force with most officers and men being professionally trained mountaineers and skiers.
Head of the Force	Director General
Nodal Ministry	Ministry of Home Affairs
Headquarters	New Delhi

Border Police Forces in India

Border Security Force (BSF)	Established in 1965. Primarily responsible for guarding India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Plays a crucial role in internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)	Established in 1963. Guards India's border with Nepal and Bhutan. Focuses on border management, including preventing human trafficking and smuggling.
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)	Established in 1969. Provides security to industrial units, government infrastructure, and critical areas including airports. Also assists in border security at some locations.
National Security Guard (NSG)	Established in 1984. A counter-terrorism force under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Provides security for sensitive locations including national borders during terrorist threats.
Assam Rifles	Established in 1835, making it the oldest paramilitary force in India. Primarily deployed in Northeast India for border security and counter-insurgency operations.

Source:

Hindustan Times

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the role of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in safeguarding India's borders, particularly with China. Highlight its specialized functions, challenges, and contributions to national security. (150 words)