Siliguri, Dec 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said the deployment of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Jammu and Kashmir has given a big boost to all the security forces.
Home Minister said SSB jawans have killed more than 19 terrorists and arrested 14 terrorists in different operations. “SSB has performed its duty with full alertness even in terrorism-affected Jammu and Kashmir,” he said
He said that SSB has arrested more than 600 Maoists in the last 7 years, killed more than 15 Maoists and 28 Maoists surrendered due to SSB’s crackdown.
Union Home Minister was speaking at the 61st Raising Day function of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal. Union Home Minister also E-inaugurated Integrated Check Point (ICP) Agartala and the newly constructed residential complex of BGF at Petrapole. On this occasion, Director (IB), Secretary, Border Management, MHA, DG, SSB, and several other dignitaries were present.
Home said the sacrifice of their brave sons has given the country a new life, energy, and enthusiasm, and the entire country is proud of them. Shah said that in 61 years, SSB has received 4 Padma, 1 Kirti Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, 2 President’s Gallantry Medals, 25 Police Gallantry Medals and 35 Gallantry Medals. He said that these national-level honors received by the SSB show how determined the SSB jawans are to discharge their duties.
Amit Shah said that the Sashastra Seema Bal has done a unique job of connecting the culture, language, and rich heritage of the border villages of India with the mainstream of the country. He said that the SSB has fulfilled the motto of “Service, Security and Brotherhood” through its duties. He said that SSB has carried forward the traditions of trust, heritage, and friendship with Nepal and Bhutan.
Shah said that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had adopted the policy of one border, one force, after which SSB was given the responsibility of vigilance and security of the border with Nepal and Bhutan. He said that since its foundation in 1963, SSB has generated a great sense of patriotism and attachment to India in the border villages. Shah said that the countrymen are assured of their safety because SSB jawans are standing guard at the 2450-kilometer-long Indian border with Nepal and Bhutan.
Amit Shah said that in its glorious history of 61 years, SSB has personified the slogan of Service, Security, and Brotherhood and the spirit of service to the nation, devotion, and nation first. Shah said that the SSB jawans have very proactively stopped narcotics smuggling, human trafficking, arms smuggling,g and infiltration of anti-national elements at the border. He said that SSB has played an important role in making the entire eastern region Naxal-free in coordination with CRPF and the local police force.
Amit Shah said that SSB is continuously working to remove encroachment from government land, stopping the smuggling of narcotics, weapons, wildlife, forest products, and counterfeit currency with a zero-tolerance policy. He said that SSB has seized more than 4,000 smugglers, more than 16000 kg of narcotics, 208 weapons, and a huge amount of ammunition. He said that SSB has arrested 183 human traffickers and rescued 301 victims, including 231 girls. Shah said that SSB has played a huge role in protecting the dignity of women.
Union Home Minister said that SSB’s duties are not limited to security but the force has also joined various relief operations and helped people with full readiness during disasters. He said that be it flood or landslide, these jawans have carried out relief operations in affected areas without caring for their lives and have stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of the country. Shah said that the selfless service and determination of SSB jawans has saved the lives of millions of people and it has created a good feeling towards SSB in the hearts of the people of the country.