Union Home & Cooperation Minister Mr. Amit Shah addressed the 62nd Foundation Day Ceremony of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, today. Shri Amit Shah virtually inaugurated Self Sustainable Energy Buildings (SSEB) for soldiers and introduced drone services for supplying essentials to Border Observation Posts (BOPs) situated in inaccessible regions. The Home Minister also unveiled a flip book dedicated to the 147 martyrs of ITBP. Several dignitaries, including Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami and the Director General of ITBP, graced the event. During his speech, Shri Amit Shah underscored the country’s deep respect for the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, emphasizing the peaceful sleep citizens enjoy due to the soldiers’ dedication to securing the borders.
Shri Amit Shah expressed gratitude for the invaluable service rendered by the Himveers, highlighting their relentless commitment to safeguarding India’s inaccessible borders with bravery, determination, and devotion. He praised ITBP’s tradition of vigilance and dedication, even in extreme weather conditions of minus 45 degrees Celsius, and their readiness to make ultimate sacrifices when necessary. The Home Minister mentioned ITBP’s evolution from 7 divisions to a robust force of 1 lakh Himveers, with significant growth in infrastructure and operational capabilities.
Acknowledging the importance of securing the nation’s borders, Shri Amit Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to extend air and rail travel quotas to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) on par with the Army. He highlighted the significance of SSEB, a symbol of India’s self-reliance, built at an altitude of 17,000 feet to provide soldiers refuge in extreme weather conditions.
Regarding the introduction of drone services, Shri Amit Shah praised this visionary step to supply 15 kg of medicines and vegetables to remote areas, benefitting not only Himveers but also the inhabitants of border villages. He highlighted the government’s efforts to bridge security gaps, mentioning the approval of 7 battalions for ITBP, the first such approval since its inception, along with the construction of sector headquarters.
Emphasizing ITBP’s valor, Shri Amit Shah noted the force’s contributions, which have earned them prestigious awards and accolades. He assured that as long as ITBP and Army personnel guard the borders, no one can encroach upon India’s territory, highlighting the participation of women soldiers in border security. Shri Amit Shah praised ITBP’s heightened sports participation and their environmental conservation efforts, planting over 36 lakh trees in remote areas.
The Home Minister lauded Prime Minister Modi’s Vibrant Village Project aimed at bolstering infrastructure, employment, education, and healthcare in border villages. He highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in these regions, ensuring comprehensive development and connectivity.
Shri Amit Shah emphasized that safeguarding border villages is crucial to ensure national security, indicating the significant increase in government spending for infrastructure development, especially along the India-China border. He underscored the government’s schemes for soldiers’ welfare and praised the drastic improvement in the nation’s internal security under PM Modi’s leadership.
Concluding his speech, Shri Amit Shah called for making India a global leader in all domains by 2047, during the Amrit Kaal of Independence, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of leading the world across various sectors.