By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The Border Security Force (BSF), a premier Border Guarding Force operating under the umbrella Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) of the Nation, serves as India’s first line of defense. Established on December 1, 1965, as a dedicated armed force of the union. The force upholds the motto “Jeevan Paryant Kartavya.” The strategic deployment of BSF in Odisha commenced in October 2010, focusing on the Naxal-affected landscapes of Koraput and Malkangiri districts. This move significantly bolstered the nation’s security apparatus. Expanding its operational footprint, BSF extended its vital presence to Nabarangpur and Rayagada districts in 2013.
BSF’s strategic positioning has been transformative for these regions. Preceding 2010, civil administration encountered formidable challenges in reaching the interior areas. Scarce policy resources constrained access to remote locations, causing restricted movement even during daylight. The night hours witnessed a complete cessation of vehicular activities, and commercial establishments closed their operations before sunset, resulting in a virtual standstill of business activities. The implementation of both central and state government schemes faced insurmountable challenges on the ground.
BSF emerged as a pivotal ally, working in synergy with state police and civil administration to curb Maoist activities in the challenging terrains of Koraput and Malkangiri districts. The subsequent deployment in Nabarangpur and Rayagada further solidified BSF’s role in maintaining law and order in these regions. The ensuing highlights underscore the remarkable achievements of BSF in these endeavors:-
The Swabhimaan Anchal, once a Maoist liberated zone, has been successfully sanitized by BSF.
Former strongholds of Maoists in Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon areas of Koraput district have been effectively cleared by BSF.
SF has created a conducive atmosphere, enabling civil administration to undertake various developmental activities in both Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
Agricultural lands, previously utilized for forced Ganja cultivation, are now being repurposed for cultivating other crops.
Uninterrupted day and night vehicular movement, including government transports, has been restored in both districts.
Normalcy has returned to business and agricultural activities, marking a significant positive shift.
Maoist violence has been substantially contained.
The construction of the Motu Bridge in 2019 has opened new avenues of connectivity with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The establishment of a new district HQ Hospital in Malkangiri in 2018 has elevated medical care for the residents to new heights.
In 2022, a 50-bedded healthcare center with ICU facilities has been inaugurated at Badapada in Swabhimaan Anchal, further enhancing healthcare accessibility.
BSF’s support has facilitated the installation of new mobile towers in interior areas, improving connectivity and communication.
In 2023, the BSF made significant strides in enhancing security infrastructure by establishing two COBs at Muginpadar & Kolampada in Kandhamal district and another COB was successfully instituted at Tulsi in the Malkangiri district. One Tactical Headquarters (Tac HQr) at Phulbani.
Tribal Youth Exchange Programme – The Government-sponsored Tribal Youth Exchange Programme continues to make a profound impact by providing valuable opportunities for tribal youth to acquire experience, knowledge, and skills through visits to various parts of India. During the current year (2023-24), with 280 youths already benefiting. This initiative not only broadens the horizons of tribal youth but also contributes significantly to their overall development.
Medical Camps – In the current year 2023, over 55 medical camps have been successfully organized in the remote villages of Malkangiri and Koraput districts, underscoring the commitment to address the healthcare needs of the marginalized communities in these areas. This initiative reflects the BSF’s dedication to promoting well-being and ensuring essential medical services reach the underserved populations in the region.
Civic Action/Outreach & Awareness Programme: In 2023, over 202 CAPs were carried out in remote villages of Malkangiri and Koraput districts, benefiting around 17,000 people in tribal villages. These programs aim to reform lives and instill a sense of security among the local population
Surrender of Naxals: BSF and the Police are working collaboratively in a coordinated manner. An illustrative instance of this synergy is the joint operation conducted on 10.01.2024, leading to the surrender of a female Maoist cadre, namely Ungly Madvi @ Roshni, in the presence of the Superintendent of Police, Malkangiri (Odisha). Collaborative effort underscores the effectiveness of joint operations in addressing Maoist activities in the region.
Pre-recruitment training to Tribal youths – In 2023, sixteen trainees actively participated in the vocational training, alongside the involvement of 30 local youths to enhancing their skills for various job opportunities. Additionally, guidance on the syllabus for competitive examinations, specifically SSC GD, was provided, and relevant books were distributed among the local youths at COB Mantriam and COB Ramgiri.
Job Fair- On the 6th and 7th of December 2023, a collaborative initiative by BSF and the District Administration of Malkangiri and Koraput led to the organization of a job fair tailored for 1290 students, comprising 730 boys and 560 in Mathili Block, Balimela, Chitrakonda and K/Gumma. BSF actively participated by distributing recruitment pamphlets.
Airport at Malkangiri :- On January 9, 2024, Shri Naveen Pattanaik, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, inaugurated the Malkangiri Airport. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity and promote development in the tribal-dominated areas, signifying a significant leap forward in the progress of the region.
Rozgar Mela – On October 28, 2023, a Rozgar Mela program was conducted at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar from 10:30 to 14:00 hours. The esteemed event was chaired by Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. A total of 135 appointment letters were distributed to deserving youths who secured positions in various Central Government jobs.
BSF plays a very important role along with the Police and State Administration, thereby expediting the ongoing development projects in Naxal-affected areas. BSF is performing round the clock despite harsh & and inhospitable terrain and has shown its valor at every step by fulfilling every responsibility during natural calamities, Naxal problems, Election duty, Law and order duty etc. whatsoever task assigned by the Government.
The achievements of the Border Security Force with the help of state Police in the districts of deployment are as follows: –
Total 65 dreaded Naxals were killed, out of which 01 Naxal was killed in 2023.
A total of 793 Naxals were apprehended up to the year- 2023.
A total of 632 hard core Naxals surrendered out of which 05 Naxals surrendered in the year 2023.
A total of 447 IEDs (live bombs) were recovered out of which 32 IEDs were recovered in 2023.
In the year 2014 and 2019, during the Orissa assembly elections and the Lok Sabha elections, the Border Security Force has succeeded in conducting peaceful polling in the vulnerable Naxal affected areas.
Provided necessary commodities to the poor and school children in remote villages of Koraput, Malkangiri and Kandhamal districts, provided necessary medical facilities to the villagers, provided employment training to unemployed youth under skill development programme.
Under tribal youth exchange programme Border Security Force is facilitating tribal boys and girls in providing exposure to culture and heritage of different parts of India.
Apart from this, during COVID pandemic, provided ration, medicines and daily use items to the needy families in Naxal affected villages and also helped stranded local laborers.
Since Jan, 2023 to Dec, 2023 following recoveries have been made by BSF specifically:-
IED – 32 nos
Explosive – 850 gms
Cordex – 65 mtrs
Walkie Talkie – 03 nos
SBML gun – 25 nos
SBML Barrel – 11 nos
Country made Pistol -02 nos
.303 Rifle – 01 no
Country made RL- 01 no
51mm Mor Bomb- 04 bombs
Ammunitions – 57 rds
INSAS Mag – 05 nos
Grenade – 161 nos
Detonator – 139 nos
Gelatine sticks – 317 nos
Safety fuse – 130 mtrs
Electric wire – 40 mtrs
Monocular for road levelling- 01
Mobile phone – 05 nos
