Retired servicemen laud BSF’s contribution to national security

Retired personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) from Nurpur, Jawali, Fatehpur and Indora subdivisions of the lower Kangra region celebrated the 61st Raising Day of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Gangath near Nurpur on Monday. Former members of the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and CISF participated with immense enthusiasm.

The event, held under the banner of Himveer Jagriti Manch, began with tributes to the brave personnel of the paramilitary forces who laid down their lives in the service of the nation. A two-minute silence was observed to honour martyrs.

Jarnail Singh Dadwal, secretary of the manch, highlighted various social service programmes undertaken by the organisation over the past year and lauded its members for fulfilling their responsibilities.

The function was presided over by Ramesh Singh, IG (retd). In his address, he praised the contribution of BSF personnel during Operation Sindoor and acknowledged their role in managing the situation along the Bangladesh border. “Similarly, the CRPF has broken the back of Naxalism,” he said.

On the occasion, the manch announced that it would select one school in each subdivision and provide financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to two meritorious Class X students in each school.

It also announced the organisation of annual competitions in collaboration with Government College, Dehri, on April 10 and November 11 — marking the birth and death anniversaries of Wazir Ram Singh Pathania. Although considered the first freedom fighter of the country, Pathania has not been formally recognised as a martyr of India’s independence movement. Winners of the interschool competitions will receive cash awards and citation certificates from the manch.