After 44 weeks of rigorous training, 344 constables joined the mainstream of the elite Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at a colourful passing-out parade held at the Recruit Training Centre at Iluppaikudi in Sivaganga district on Tuesday.
Addressing the new recruits, ITBP Inspector General Harbhajan Singh, a Padmashri recipient for his mountaineering skills, said that the Recruits Training Centre (RTC) had shaped up ordinary civilians as brave soldiers, capable of handling arms and facing any adverse situation, to defend the nation.
He recalled the formation of the ITBP in 1962 after the Chinese aggression to guard the Indo-China border.
Initially established with four battalions to guard the northern borders, the force had now grown to have 60 battalions with 90,000 troops manning 3,500 km of the Indo-China border from Karakoram pass in Jammu and Kashmir to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude ranging from 9,000 to 19,000 ft where the temperature dipped to minus 40 degree centigrade, Mr. Singh said. The ITBP personnel were also taught about human rights and the need for good behaviour and maintenance of cordial relations with the public even in highly infested areas.
“We just don’t confine with physical fitness, but look at bringing up overall personality at the training centre,” he added.
The RTC here was currently training 1,031 personnel. So far, 1,286 personnel had passed out from here in five different spells in the last two years, said Austine Eapen, DIG, (RTC, Sivaganga).
The recruits had undergone physical training, weapon handling, unarmed combat, field craft, drill firing, personality development and courses in professional subjects.
Toppers
Later, Mr. Singh presented overall best trainee trophy to Vikas Thakur, best shooter award to Kashung Worngachan, best endurance award to Shanghmachi Shangh, best in drill award to S.T. Khup James Bond and best in weapon award to Sandeep Singh. The Director General’s silver disc and a commendation were presented to Inspector Jagmohan Singh.
Banwari Lal, second-in-command (training), proposed a vote of thanks. Karate and taekwondo demonstrations were presented by the ITBP personnel on the occasion.
