SIVAGANGA
For the first time, 25 gazetted officers from different specialist cadre passed out of the Recruit Training Centre of Indo-Tibetan Border Police at Iluppaikudi in Sivaganga district, where hitherto only constabulary training had been provided since 2011.
ITBP Director General Surjeet Singh Deswal reviewed the passing-out parade of the officers – comprising 19 doctors, four veterinary surgeons, a civil engineer and a Judge Attorney – including women, who had undergone 16 weeks of training in weaponry, firing, unarmed combat, police tactics, law, drill, yoga and adventure activities.
Deputy Inspector General of RTC Austine Eapen administered the oath to the officers under the National flag and ITBP colour.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Deswal said the ITBP that was raised in 1962 to guard Indo-China border was also involved now in anti-naxal operations in Chhattishgarh, guarding sensitive installations in New Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, and providing security to the Indian embassy in Kabul and consulates in other places.
Mr. Deswal asked the newly trained officers to uphold the high tradition and professionalism of the force and serve the nation. He also gave away trophies to best trainees: Overall best for Roop Jyothi Laskar, Best in Outdoor for Manish Kumar and Best in Indoor for Dr. Ankush Kumar.
Later, talking to the media, Mr. Deswal said the training given to the officers and men was being constantly upgraded with new elements and subjects to keep the force the best in safeguarding Indo-China border for 3,488 km from Leh to Arunchal Pradesh in extremely hostile weather and terrain conditions. The capacity of the RTCs was also being increased, he added.
Dr. Eapen said the RTC that had so far trained 3,158 ITBP personnel had become one of the fine training institutions of the country in less than six years with good infrastructure and faculty.
ITBP personnel demonstrated their skills in physical training, aerobic exercise and martial arts.