Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand): In the frigid, Himalayan Indo-China border, the ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) remains alert to deter any cross-border expansionist attempts. A testament to the strict enforcement of security measures is highlighted best when observing the patroling patterns of the security forces.
The armed forces personnel posted in the higher Himalayan regions used to previously recede to lower altitudes during the snowfall months. This, as per information, has changed presently due to the supply of new equipment to cope with the cold and yet stand guard in sensitive border areas such as the Lipulekh Pass.
Along with deploying military forces in all the posts located on the China and Nepal border, the soldiers have also been equipped with modern security equipment. The soldiers of military and paramilitary forces are taking continuous training to deal with the situations of war.
As per information, both Indian Army and ITBP personnel have been training in five feet deep snow to adapt to environments often present in high-altitude warfare.
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Speaking to ETV Bharat, ITBP Deputy Commandant Puran Raj says that the personnel deployed at the border deal regularly with whims of adverse weather.
"Here there are chilly winds, snowfall, and other problems. In the midst of this, we live with our soldiers who are deployed in these forward posts. We are trained to combat these environmental challenges, and we follow the instructions given to us minutely", Raj said.
At an altitude of 10,000 to 17,000 feet on the Lipulekh border, ITBP's surveillance goes on throughout the year. The military and paramilitary personnel operate amid winter temperatures of minus 45 degrees Celsius, glaciers, and other hazards the frost brings.
"We are trained to go wherever there is a need, to face the challenges that lie in front of us. This is exactly why I have joined the ITBP. This force covers the border extensively, so we can be deployed almost anywhere.
In the beginning, I used to encounter a lot of problems. There is a lack of oxygen here, and the weather is very different compared to the plains. But once we start living here, it slowly becomes routine", says ITBP soldier Prasannlata.
The personnel of the 7th Corps of ITBP posted on the Lipulekh border guard the border as well as take care of the pilgrims during the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. ITBP also conducts campaigns frequently to rescue mountaineers trapped in the high Himalayan areas.
The force also provides health and other necessary facilities to the citizens of the border, who are often called the second line of defense on the border.
