Government Considers Raising Border Wing Home Guards to Augment Security Along China Border
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is contemplating the creation of Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Similar to the force patrolling the India-Pakistan border, BWHGs are drawn from local civilian populations in border areas. They serve as an ancillary to the Indian Army and ITBP during emergencies and help in intelligence collection. Currently, BWHGs are operational only in Rajasthan. The move aims to enhance the presence and surveillance capabilities along the 3,488-km border with China following the 2020 Galwan clashes and ongoing border tensions.
Key Points
- BWHGs are a voluntary force drawn from local populations to assist regular border guarding forces.
- They are currently authorized in seven states, including Punjab, Gujarat, and North Eastern states.
- The force provides 'ancillary support' and is crucial for gathering local intelligence.
- Expanding BWHGs to the China border is part of a strategy to strengthen the LAC security apparatus.
Exam Facts
- Length of India-China border: 3,488 km.
- Primary force on China border: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
- States authorized for BWHGs: Meghalaya, Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
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