The Indo-Tibetan Border Police has deployed six additional battalions and "forward" 33 of its designated 56 border stations along the India-China LAC as part of its strategy to improve operational capabilities along the frigid front.

The Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Rahul Rasgotra, made this statement during the force's 63rd Raising Day parade on Tuesday in Khordha district, Odisha. The ITBP, which has around 90,000 personnel trained in mountain warfare, typically celebrates its Raising Day on October 24. However, this year's event was delayed by more than two months for several reasons, according to a senior officer who spoke to PTI. According to the DG, 56 ITBP border posts along the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC) were being moved "closer" to the front as part of the force's "forwardisation plan."

The ITBP chief mentioned that out of 56 border posts, 33 have already been moved closer to the border. He also shared that the government approved the creation of seven new battalions for border security. Six of these battalions have been stationed along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh, while one is placed along the border in Sikkim. Additionally, the chief said the force's technology-based surveillance was reviewed. Some shortcomings were identified, and it was decided to address these issues as part of the upcoming modernisation plan. According to the DG, the ITBP would shortly submit a proposal to the Union home ministry for the upgrade of its weapons and will also use the nationwide fibre network to ensure "secure" operational communications.

The Director General (DG) mentioned that new forward bases would be set up soon in the toughest jungle areas of Abujhmad in Chhattisgarh, which are affected by Maoist violence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that India will be free of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by March 2026. Rasgotra expressed gratitude to the Union government and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their efforts to improve basic infrastructure facilities for the border force at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

"Funds of Rs 2,500 crore have been made available this year for creating basic infrastructure for the ITBP. Last year, Rs 1,000 crore worth of funds were spent for construction work at forward posts and battalions etc," the DG said. The ITBP was formed after the 1962 Chinese aggression and is mainly responsible for guarding the 3,488-kilometer-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. It also takes on various roles in internal security. Union Minister of State for Home, Nityanand Rai, was the chief guest at the event.