Chidambaram reviews operational readiness of ITBP

Home Minister P Chidambaram today reviewed the operational preparedness of paramilitary ITBP which guards the crucial Indo-China frontier.

Chidambaram, accompanied by senior Home Ministry officials, visited the force headquarters located at CGO complex here.

Sources said senior Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officers briefed the minister on the recent sanction of the re-structuring of the force which will now raise additional battalions and centres across the country.

Chidambaram was also briefed about the delays and hindrances in acquiring land for ITBP centres in some states and the latest weaponry and gadgets inducted into the force.

The minister was also given a presentation on the overall deployment of the force along the 3,488-kilometre long Sino-Indian border, as well as on anti-Naxal operations in Maoist-affected states and other internal security duties carried out by the force.

The officers briefed Chidambaram about the expenditure on modernisation and welfare of the force personnel.

The ITBP has about 45 battalions (45000 personnel) presently along with an exclusive women contingent.

Chidambaram had recently held review meetings for other paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF and CISF.