PM Modi Hails ITBP 'Himveers' on 65th Raising Day Amid Heightened LAC Vigilance
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Marking the 65th Raising Day of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju led the nation in honoring the extraordinary valor, sacrifice, and selfless service of the specialized mountain force. Commending the frontline sentinels popularly known as the 'Himveers', the leadership underscored the force's unwavering resolve in safeguarding India's contested high-altitude frontiers under sub-zero temperatures and unforgiving Himalayan terrain. The commemorative milestone arrives during intense operational focus along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in the sensitive sectors of Arunachal Pradesh, where heightened border vigilance, modern aerial reconnaissance, and rapid-response tactical frameworks remain central to territorial security.
National Leadership Salutes the Himveers: Unmatched Grit on Icy Frontiers
Top political and military leaders across the union government paid glowing tributes to the mountain-warfare specialists on social media platform X:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Tribute: Extending his congratulations to all ranks, veterans, and their families, PM Modi praised the personnel for standing tall through extreme adversity, stating, "The 'Himveers' of the ITBP have proved themselves with their extraordinary bravery. They have always faced every challenge with amazing determination. Their selfless service and sacrifice are a great source of inspiration for the nation."
Home Minister Amit Shah on Mountain Valour: Highlighting the personnel's tenacity in freezing outposts, Amit Shah remarked that their bravery resonates across snow-clad peaks, crushing security threats in the harshest meteorological conditions, while paying homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Acknowledgement: Rajnath Singh highlighted the dual-role efficiency of the force, noting that along with dominating the Himalayan borders, ITBP jawans have delivered decisive operational support in domestic security theaters, notably counter-insurgency and anti-Left Wing Extremism (LWE) missions.
Kiren Rijiju on the Force's Credo: Evoking the official organizational motto—Shaurya, Dridhta, Karmanishtha (Valour, Determination, Devotion to Duty)—Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju saluted the troops for demonstrating patriotic fervor and unyielding stamina along remote mountainous heights.
Indian Army's Solidarity Message: Indian Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth and all ranks of the army extended heartfelt greetings to the ITBP fraternity, reaffirming the deep operational brotherhood shared between the two forces across eastern and northern forward defense locations.
Strategic Border Dynamics: MEA Highlights Patrolling Patterns and Bilateral Dialogues
The Raising Day commemorations coincide with diplomatic and military moves aimed at maintaining high-altitude stability along the northern borders:
Addressing Chinese Patrolling Deviations: Briefing journalists on Friday, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal pointed out that friction along the India-China border periodically escalates when Chinese troops deviate from established and mutually acknowledged patrolling tracks.
Institutional De-escalation Mechanisms: Jaiswal emphasized that both New Delhi and Beijing continue to engage through active diplomatic channels and bilateral military working groups to resolve pending border flashpoints, avoid tactical miscalculations, and foster stable border management protocols.
Prerequisite for Bilateral Ties: Reasserting India's core diplomatic position, the MEA reiterated that peace and tranquility along the LAC remain an indispensable foundation for the broader normalization and development of overall bilateral relations.
High-Tech Frontier Upgrades: Drone Platoons and Close-Combat Strike Courses
Addressing recent localized face-offs along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor detailed comprehensive operational adaptations:
Tackling Face-Offs in Arunachal Sectors: Highlighting occasional close-contact confrontations along specific border friction points in Arunachal Pradesh, the ITBP command confirmed the introduction of upgraded tactical standard operating procedures.
Dedicated Drone Platoons Across Units: To eliminate visual blind spots across steep ridgelines, the force has operationalized dedicated drone platoons within all frontline border battalions, enabling continuous real-time surveillance of movement across passes.
Specialized High-Altitude Strike Courses: Drawing vital operational lessons from the intense Galwan Valley clashes of 2020, the force has structured a rigorous combat strike curriculum, equipping mountain troops with advanced martial skills and modern equipment to dominate any physical altercation along disputed forward perimeters.
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