Various paramilitary units in India perform critical roles in ensuring internal security, border security, and helping the regular armed forces. Here's a rundown of the sorts of paramilitary forces in India:
1. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) is India's largest paramilitary organisation. It is in charge of internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and helping state police forces uphold law and order. The CRPF also provides election security and responds to natural disasters.
2. Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force (BSF) oversees border protection, especially along India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is critical in preventing smuggling, illegal immigration, and cross-border terrorism. Border patrol, information gathering, and border infrastructure development are all responsibilities of the BSF.
3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, power plants, and government buildings. It is in charge of combating terrorism, ensuring public safety, and ensuring security in sensitive regions.
4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) patrols India's borders with China (Tibet). It is responsible for patrolling these high-altitude borders, conducting border surveillance, and ensuring security in mountainous areas. The ITBP also conducts disaster response and rescue missions.
5. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) secures India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Its principal goal is to deter transnational crime, illegal activities, and insurgency. The SSB also performs intelligence and counter-terrorism missions.
6. Assam Rifles
The Assam Rifles are controlled by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army. It is largely responsible for preserving security and combating insurgencies in India's northeastern areas. Assam Rifles also helps with border management and civic action programmes.
7. National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guard (NSG) is a specialised anti-terrorism organisation. It deals with high-risk security situations such as hostage rescue, counter-hijacking operations, and terrorist threats. The NSG is widely regarded as India's premier tactical reaction unit.