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Tibetan Border Police to have Air Wing

2006-10-23 The ITBP personnel, posted at the higher reaches of Himalayan borders with Tibet, may soon have a reason to smile as the Union Home Ministry has cleared a proposal for setting up a separate helicopter wing aimed at meeting demands in tiring weather and emergency conditions.

"The Home Ministry has approved the proposal. A Cabinet note is being prepared now for the final clearance," ITBP Director General VK Joshi said on the eve of 45th Raising Day celeberations of the para-military force.

The Rs 300 crore proposal envisages acquisition of seven Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to help enable the border force to airdrop personnel and emergency supplies to its posts in the upper reaches of the Himalayas.

Most of its forward posts in Ladakh, Kumaon and eastern sector remain cut off during winter months and the ITBP was dependent on the Air Force for evacuation and other emergencies.

"Having your own airwing is a far better option," Joshi said adding the proposal was comprehensive addressing issues like hiring of pilots and maintanence of the choppers. The helicopters will also be used by CRPF and SSB.

The ITBP chief also raised the issue of the inability of rotating its troops due to non-availability of reserve batallions for rotations. However, he said, the ITBP had approached the Government with a demand for raising 22 new battalions to help rotation of its personnel.

"Out of the 35 years of tenure of our personnel, they spent an average 28 years in high-altitute locations... We need 22 more battalions for effectively rotating them," Joshi said.

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