Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 October extended his felicitations to personnel of the Indo‑Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and their families on the force’s 65th Raising Day, commending their courage and dedication in service of the nation. In a post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the ITBP’s record of operational service in high‑altitude environments and its conduct during emergencies.
The PM underlined the identity of ITBP personnel as “Himveers” and praised their conduct. “the force’s personnel, known as Himveers, had distinguished themselves through exceptional valour,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X
Role and operating environment
The ITBP, raised on 24 October 1962 after the India‑China war, is the central armed police force tasked with guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The force operates along a 3,488‑kilometre border that extends from the Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh. According to the Union Home Ministry, many ITBP border outposts are sited between 9,000 and 18,800 feet, where winter temperatures can fall to minus 45 degrees Celsius in extreme conditions.
Beyond static border duties, the Prime Minister’s message—echoing the force’s public statements—reminded readers of additional roles performed by the ITBP. The force provides internal security reinforcements when required, has contributed to counter‑insurgency efforts against Left‑Wing Extremism in Chhattisgarh, and conducts specialised mountain warfare training in skills such as mountaineering, skiing and tactical high‑altitude operations. The ITBP also undertakes disaster response in Himalayan and high‑altitude regions, functioning frequently as a first responder in search, rescue and relief operations.
What the raising day marks
The 65th Raising Day serves to recognise the force’s long service along difficult frontiers and its role in non‑combat emergencies. The ITBP reiterated its commitment to national service under its motto, “Shaurya, Dridhta, Karmanishtha”—translated as valour, steadfastness and dedication—in messages issued on the anniversary.
- Date raised: 24 October 1962
- Border length guarded: 3,488 kilometres (Karakoram Pass to Jachep La)
- Typical outpost altitudes: 9,000–18,800 feet; extreme winter lows to −45°C
The Prime Minister’s greeting and the ITBP’s own messages on the occasion were formal acknowledgements of the force’s multiple roles on the frontier and in internal security and disaster relief. Official statements accompanying the Raising Day emphasised training and operational preparedness for high‑altitude deployment, while reiterating the force’s service ethos.
