Chinese presence along border now stronger, says ITBP chief

“It takes about 19 days for any relief to reach ITBP men and the personnel face no less difficulties than the troops stationed in Siachen. The only difference is that they have an active enemy flexing muscles all the time. But they also have a dedicated air support service,” he said adding that the ITBP too had an air support system but it could not be compared to that of the Siachen.

When asked why did not India construct roads he said “it is a national policy.”

He said the Himalayas were in need ofprotection and people needed to be sensitised about the “geological masterpiece”. Asked whether the threat to the Himalayas was geological or strategic, he said it was strategic. He however, did not elaborate.

He said that even after nine five-year plans, there had been hardly any developmental activity in the inner Himalayas.

About the working conditions in high altitude areas Kaul said the conditions were tough and incentives not very attractive. A proposal had been sent to the government to give similar incentives as given to troops in Siachen, for ITBP personnel posted at 15000 ft and above.

“We perform similar duties but the only difference is that we do not get bombarded.”

He said the force had asked the government for a satellite communication system to augment its communication network as the only system — the wireless — was under heavy stress and overused. The force also needed a second line of communication system which would be independent and function in case of breakdown of theother system.

“The MRSAT system would hopefully, become operational by the end of this year.”

Kaul said various police forces, including the ITBP, were unprepared to walk into the 21st century and had not taken a serious look at the challenges and difficulties the police are going to face in the next millennium. The planning is only for the next five years and there are no empirical studies for some basic training.

“More scientific orientation is needed down the line. The changes should at least begin with the ITBP.”