BSF to guard Myanmar border from 2014 itself: DG

The Border Security Force (BSF) will be entrusted the task of guarding the India-Myanmar border later this year, the paramilitary forces's chief said Saturday.

"From this year itself, we will start guarding the 1,624-km-long India-Myanmar border thar passes through the states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh," BSF Director General Subhash Joshi told media persons here.

The BSF now patrols the country's borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan while Assam Rifles have been maintaining vigil at the India-Myanmar border since 2002.

"Now that we have been given the responsibility, we will carry out the work of building infrastructure like border posts and new roads,' said Joshi, who was here to take the salute at the passing out parade of 335 women personnel of the BSF at Salugara.

Praising the force's personnel, Joshi said they were equally adept in discharging duties at temperatures of 50 degree Celsius and minus 50 degree Celsius.

The BSF chief said the country's militants were running 50 camps in Bangladesh.

"We are working in coordination with Border Guards Bangladesh. The security is being beefed up along the border by using modern technology. Our target is to completely stop infiltration and smuggling," he said.

The paramilitary force is now increasing the strength of its women personnel, who will form five percent of the total strength of the force in three years.