SSB deploys unarmed 'smiling' squads at Nepal, Bhutan borders

In a unique initiative, border guarding force SSB has replaced its gun-toting troops with a 'smiling' non-combatised personnel team to interact and frisk people who cross-over to India from the international borders of Nepal and Bhutan.
The new "interactive" protocol has been put in place by the Sashastra Seema Bal keeping in mind India's good relations with these two eastern neighbours and the fact that scores of civilians cross-over to both the sides for their regular business and visits.
"We have historic relations with both the countries and crossing over into each other territories is allowed as the borders are open. So, we decided to change the system and deploy smart non-uniformed men and women on the front and put the armed personnel at a distance for keeping an unobtrusive eye on the activities at these two international border," SSB Director General B D Sharma told PTI.

A total of 100 personnel, called 'Interaction Teams', have been initially deployed at eight locations along these two frontiers under a 'pilot project' and if the exercise is successful, the force will deploy these teams at all authorised border crossing points along the 1,751-km Nepal and 699-km Bhutan borders.
These personnel, the SSB chief said, will be deployed at "all the times" when the borders are open and will sport a flashing green-coloured jacket with SSB insignia embossed on them and cordially help those who cross the borders.
"Every team will have a women personnel in their strength and will be armed with security frisking gadgets like hand held scanners and others. These men and women of our civilian component have been trained in public dealing skills and polite interaction etiquettes," Sharma said.

The first-of-its kind step, sources said, was also taken after the SSB headquarters here received some complaints of high-handedness of its personnel which was taken seriously by the force.
The DG recently visited both the frontiers to lay the road map before putting the plan on ground.