Till 1965 India’s borders with Pakistan were manned by the State Armed Police Battalion. Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Chhar Bet and Beria Bet on 9 April, 1965 in Kutch. This exposed the inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed aggression due to which the Government of India felt the need for a specialized centrally controlled Border Security Force, which would be armed and trained to man the International Border with Pakistan. As a result of the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries, the Border Security Force came into existence on 01 Dec 1965, and Shri K F Rustamji was the first chief and founding father.

ROLE OF THE BSF:

SECURITY OF BORDER OF India and matters connected therewith.

TASKS OF THE BSF:

The tasks of the BSF are divided as follows:

1. Peace time:
   • Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
   • Prevent trans border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
   • Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.
   
   In the last few years the BSF has, in addition to their duties, been deployed for counter insurgency and internal security duties
2. War Time:
   • Holding ground in less threatened sectors.
   • Protection of vital installations.
   • Assistance in control of refugees.
   • Anti-infiltration duties in specified areas.

ETHOS:

The BSF, in its 41 years of existence, has emerged as an elite force of the country having excelled with distinction in the 1971 war with Pakistan. Its ethos is “Any task, any time, any where” and the BSF has given blood and sweat to execute its motto “Duty Unto Death”.

BORDER FENCING /FLOOD LIGHTING/ROADS:

The concept of border fencing, flood lighting and construction of roads has been introduced with the aim to stop infiltration/infiltration on the Western and Eastern borders.

• The BSF contributes every year a number of personnel for services for UN Mission.
• During the Kargil conflict in May-July 1999, the BSF remained on the heights of the mountains and defended the integrity of the country with all the might at its command in unison with the Army.
• BSF personnel have been performing Internal Security Duty in Manipur for the last two years and have been successfully fighting insurgency in those areas.
• During the earthquake in Gujarat on 26th January 2001, the BSF was the first to reach out to help the distressed people.
• During the communal disturbances in Gujarat recently, BSF personnel went all out to restore amity and brotherhood among the people.
• The BSF took over the erection of the border fencing in Jammu & Kashmir and it was successful in its task despite all attempts of Pakistan to scuttle our efforts.
• The BSF has been defending the borders along with the army and checking infiltration on the borders during the current standoff with Pakistan.