EFFORTS MADE BY BSF TO PROJECT HUMAN VALUES
- BSF is the largest Para-Military Force of the Country. Apart from being deployed on the border
it is engaged in internal security, anti-infiltration and counter
insurgency roles under most trying circumstances. As an organization we have taken every
measure for bringing attitudinal changes within the Force to inculcate
respect for human rights while performing duties. Interactions and discussions at various
levels were organized to educate our men in this regard. Three seminars were conducted at our
premier training institution, BSF Academy Tekanpur with the help of ICRC
and NHRC. These seminars were
meant for the Officers of the rank of Commandant, Second-in-Command and
Asstt Commandant. A two days
capsule course was conducted by ICRC at BSF Academy Tekanpur during young
Officers Course from 14 to 15 March, 1996.
- The topics related to human rights have been included in the
basic training courses for the directly recruited constables. Sub Inspectors and Asstt Comdts, apart
from various promotion and in-service Courses. The idea is that the respect for human rights is drilled in
the minds of officers and men from the very beginning and the same is
refreshed from time to time during service training courses.
- The new battalion personnel before their deployment on ground
in the Kashmir valley are imparted 4 weeks pre-induction training, in
which emphasis is laid on upholding of human rights. After deployment, they are frequently
briefed with a view to drill the need in their minds to exercise restraint
while using force in conducting various operations.
- BSF has prepared many video films on human rights to educate
its men and officers. These films
have been distributed to all units deployed in the field and the training
institutions for showing to Officers and men.
- In the beginning when the BSF was deployed in the valley,
cordon and search operations were carried out in the entire locality,
resulting in avoidable harassment to those civilians who were in a no way
involved in militant activities.
With experience, we have refined our operation techniques and now
search of particular house is carried out on pin point information
avoiding harassment to innocent people.
During cordon/search operation, old persons, children and ladies
are not asked to come out for identification parade. Respected persons of the area are also
associated during the search of houses.
- To sum up, our efforts to educate our Officers and men in this
regards, following steps are being taken:-
·
4 weeks
pre-induction training to every BSF member of Battalion before deployment in
J&K.
·
Respect for
Human Rights and dealing with public is included in the training syllabus
·
Change over
of troops after every 2 years is carried-out to avoid stress and strain.
·
Civic action
and welfare programmes are organized in various localities.
·
Prompt and
deterrent action against defaulters.
·
Increase in
the supervisory level officers and their interaction with the men.
·
Motivation of
troops to develop respect for Human Rights.
·
Immediate
release of the apprehended persons after verification from respected local and
civil police.
·
A strict fire
discipline.
·
Issue of
instructions in the form of a video cassette titled “SAHAN SHAKTI” and
Do’s & Dont’s.
·
Holding of
conference and seminars on Human Rights at supervisory level.
§
In addition
to the above, BSF has been conducting numerous civic actions. This includes developmental works, Medicare,
supply of essential commodities, providing help during natural calamities,
reviewing operation methodology, special recruitment drives, opening of Govt.
schools for civilians in BSF campus, supply of essential commodities like
sugar, kerosene oil, distribution of text books/stationary/sports items to school
children, helping state Govt. to regulate supply of essential items to remote
areas.
DEVELOPMENTAL WORKS
BSF has been
undertaking construction of school buildings, roads, bridges, approaches,
drains within existing resources since 1992.
The opening of primary schools in the Battalion locations, construction
of wooden bridges at Chandeepur-Nishat Distt. Srinagar, Nahgam Distt. Kupwara
and Nohama Bridge in Distt. Anantnag are some of the examples of BSF initiative
to serve the local population.
MEDICARE
We have been
dispensing medicines from our own quota for civil population particularly in
Srinagar, Chainigund (Kargil), Gurez, Talel Valley, Uri, Nowgam and Mechhal
areas of Kashmir valley. During
cordon/search operations too, BSF has been attending to the sick persons and
issuing them medicines.
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FREE Medical Services Provided to local people in J&K by B.S.F. |
SUPPLY OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES
Since 1992, the
BSF units deployed on IS duty in remote areas maintained the supply of rice,
kerosene oil, sugar, etc to the local population. In Srinagar, Magam and Anantnag, BSF supplied more than 36000
liters of Kerosine oil, 3000 kgs of sugar and 2000 kgs of rice at controlled
rates in 1993 to the needy families.
Similar quantities of essential commodities were also supplied to
Kashmiri families in the year 1995 onwards.
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BSF Men distributing Kerosene oil to civilians in J&K |
HELP RENDERED DURING NATURAL CALAMITIES
BSF has always
stood to the occasion to help marooned people during natural calamities. During Jan 1993, 60-70 houses were gutted at
Village Wampura, Gurez, BSF not only extinguished the fire but also provided
food and shelter to the needy families.
During 1994, fire which engulfed about 10 houses at Dawar was
extinguished by BSF and inhabitants were rescued. During 1993 floods, BSF troops distributed food items and
drinking water to the marooned people.
During Jan, 1995, large number of vehicles were entrapped in
avalanches/land slides. BSF was first
to render help in extricating those vehicles and civilians, we also provided
them 650 blankets, 150 mattresses, 2000 ltrs of kerosine oil, hard coke and
Bukharies.
EXCHANGE OF GOODWILL DURING RELIGIOUS FUNCTIONS
Every year, on
the occasion of festivals, BSF Officials and Jawans exchange greetings and
gifts with local population.
CONCLUSION
BSF has always
given due importance to the human rights of the citizens. As a Force it has tried to make respect of
human rights a part of the psyche of the Force personnel. Encouragement to the members of the Force
who show respect to human rights of fellow citizens and punishment to those
erring members who display disregard to these rights, has been the strategy of
the Force to win over the misguided youths of various parts of the Country. It can safely be said that BSF has never
found wanting in observing and enforcing the human rights of the citizens and
its record is such that every Indian can rightly be proud of it.