India to step up guard along eastern border

India is mounting guard along its eastern borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh. The home ministry has decided that half of the 29 Border Security Force (BSF) battalions — being raised over next four years — will be deployed along the riverine areas of the Bangladesh border.

India is mounting guard along its eastern borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

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The home ministry has decided that half of the 29 Border Security Force (BSF) battalions — being raised over next four years — will be deployed along the riverine areas of the Bangladesh border.

It is also considering an expansion of the Assam Rifles (AR) to boost deployment along the Myanmar border. The expansion will be on the condition that the additional manpower would be on dedicated border duties, a ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken said 16 of the 29 battalions, approved last year, will meet the requirements along the Bangladesh border. “We need to raise the density of forces in these areas to reduce the distance between border outposts and intensify patrolling,” he said.

The remaining 13 battalions will serve as reserves for the 187 battalion-strong BSF and enable regular turnover for training, rest and recuperation.