Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force is serving the Nation with wide range of tasks like rescue works, border security, counter insurgency besides protecting the integrity of Indo-Tibetan borders. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the Flag-in Ceremony of Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Force at Sector Head Quarter Shimla today. He also took salute of the guard of Honour.The Chief Minister said that the nation is indebted to the sacrifice and valour of ITBP which is playing a vital role in protecting the borders of country. He said that the State Government is committed to provide all possible assistance to ITBP. He said ITBP has a Special Mountaineering Force that trains officers and men in mountaineering and skiing. He also congratulated the team of ITBP which undertook mountaineering expedition 'Leo Pargial Peak-2020 Code name-Yodha' of 22,222 feet height. The expedition was carried out from 20th August, 2020 to 5th September, 2020 and initiated by 17th Battalion Reckong Peo. Jai Ram Thakur said that such expeditions develop leadership, discipline and confidence among the troops, besides enhancing the ability to face uncertain and critical circumstances with bravery and courage.
The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative of ITBP for undertaking cleanliness drive during the expedition where team collected about 50 kilogram of non-biodegradable garbage.Jai Ram Thakur said that State Government was laying special emphasis on strengthening of road infrastructure and other means of communications in the border areas to facilitate the local people and Armed forces. He said that Himachal Pradesh shared 260 kilometers of border with China where ITBP is safeguarding the frontiers with dedication and vigil.The Chief Minister was presented with the flag summited at Leo Pargial. He was also presented with a memento on this occasion. Later, the Chief Minister also visited the exhibition set up by the ITBP and evinced keen interest in the exhibits presented during the occasion.Deputy Inspector General, Sector Head Quarter Shimla, Prem Singh welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries on the occasion and informed that the Mount Leo Pargial expedition was successfully summited under the leadership of Deputy Commandant Kuldeep Singh and Deputy Commandant Dharmender Thakur. Veteran member and Head Constable Pradeep Negi, Head Constable Kaku Kedareta, Constable Ashish Negi and others were also part of the team.He also detailed about the various activities of the ITBP and said that ITBP would continue such adventure sports in future to generate interest among the youth for such expeditions.Commandant, 50th ITBP Battalion, Vijay Deshwal purposed vote of thanks on the occasion.