New Delhi: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has urged the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to revive its original role of engaging with border communities along India’s open borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Speaking at an SSB investiture ceremony, Mohan said stronger interaction with local populations can help create awareness, improve intelligence gathering and strengthen security along the sensitive frontiers.
Focus on Border Community Engagement
Mohan recalled that the SSB was raised during 1961–62 and initially worked closely with border populations. Its personnel engaged with local communities to spread awareness and gather intelligence.
According to the Home Secretary, this role became less prominent after the force took responsibility for guarding India’s open borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
He said the Ministry of Home Affairs believes the SSB should embrace its original community-oriented role while continuing its border-guarding responsibilities.
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Technology Strengthens Border Surveillance
The Home Secretary also praised the SSB for using modern technology to secure the two international borders.
The force has deployed tools including facial recognition systems, radars and drones to improve surveillance and identify potential security threats.
The SSB also maintains vigilance against activities such as human trafficking, drug smuggling and arms trafficking along the borders.
SSB Guards Over 2,400 Km of Open Borders
The SSB guards India’s 1,751-km open and unfenced border with Nepal and a 699-km border with Bhutan.
Unlike traditional fenced borders, these frontiers require close coordination with local communities and effective surveillance to address cross-border security challenges.
A stronger relationship between security personnel and border residents could help authorities receive timely information about suspicious activities while also improving public awareness about security concerns.
18 Personnel Receive Service Medals
Mohan was speaking at an investiture ceremony of the SSB, where 18 personnel were honoured with medals for gallantry and distinguished service.
The recognition highlighted the contribution of SSB personnel in maintaining security and responding to challenges along the country’s open international borders.
The Home Secretary’s call for greater community engagement adds another dimension to the force’s border-security responsibilities. Combining local intelligence and public cooperation with technology-driven surveillance could strengthen India’s overall security preparedness along the Nepal and Bhutan frontiers.
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