PABITRA BANERJEE: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has raised a new combat unit, the Shaurya commandos, who have demonstrated their capabilities during the “ongoing” faceoff with Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh, ITBP chief Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor said on Thursday. Kapoor said the commandos would be deployed in every border battalion as the force strengthens its combat readiness along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The ITBP chief’s remarks came as the force steps up its modernisation drive, with a greater focus on emerging warfare technologies and specialised training. Addressing personnel during an investiture ceremony leading up to the force’s 65th Raising Day, the ITBP chief affirmed that frontline defenses remain operational and resilient. He highlighted that the newly raised ‘Shaurya Commando’ teams have performed exceptionally well in countering incursions and holding strategic positions amidst high-altitude standoffs. To further bolster defense capabilities along the icy Himalayan frontier, the ITBP is also working on raising a dedicated commando battalion exclusively trained for high-altitude mountain warfare. He also outlined major infrastructure and technological initiatives, including drone platoons across border units, cold-start vehicle operational kits, and an extensive drive to construct underground shelters along company-level positions to safeguard troops against modern warfare threats.
India strengthens Arunachal border with a new commando combat unit
ITBP Chief confirms active Arunachal faceoffs with China as elite Shaurya commandos hit the frontlines.
