New Delhi: The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is always ready to face any eventuality along the India-China international border. "We are equipped to deal with any situation. And it's not the first time that ITBP is dealing such a situation," said ITBP spokesperson Vivek Pandey in an exclusive interview to ETV Bharat on Wednesday.
The force guards 3488 km international border between India and China along with the Indian army. And, its role at this present hostile situation along the border areas carries much more significance.
The ITBP personnel are deployed around 180 border guarding posts from Karakoram pass to Jachep La in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Pandey said that ITBP director-general has recently visited the border areas and facilitated the jawans for their bravery.
"Our training and upbringing is something which is unmatched. We are ready to counter any kind of eventuality. Psychologically and with our resources, we are capable enough to resist any threat," said Pandey.
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Pandey admitted that ITBP jawans guard one of the toughest borders in the world. "Our jawans are stationed at the high altitude border outposts (BOP) and the highest BOP is situated at a 18800 feet height. ITBP jawans sometime face minimum temperature which is minus 45 degrees celsius and sometimes they face lack of oxygen as well," said Pandey and added, "Though it's a difficult situation, moral of the force is very high."
It may be mentioned here that ITBP has been giving a massive fight against Covid19 pandemic by setting up quarantine centres as well as treating the infected people.
"In January this year when the pandemic started in Wuhan, our DG took personnel initiative to establish quarantine centres. In fact, the first quarantine centre was set up by the ITBP at Chawla camp where we have facilitated more than 1200 Indians," said Pandey.
The ITBP has prepared SOP which was later followed by different other organisations, the official said.
He said that even during the lockdown, the force has ensured the free flow of supply line in the border are remote areas.
"While fighting the pandemic, ITBP and other jawans from different paramilitary forces were also infected. We treated all the jawans and their family members at the ITBP Referral Hospital in Noida," said Pandey.
The ITBP has also set up the largest 10,000 bed Covid facility centre at Chatarpur area of Delhi.
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