Deserted border villages cause of concern for security forces
Deserted border villages cause of concern for security forces
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, August 7
The officials of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the para-military force guarding the Indo-China border, are worried over deserted border villages on the Indo-China border as most of the villagers have migrated from their original homes of Vyans, Darma and Chaudans valleys in last 20 years.
“Though, increased road connectivity and special attention to rehabilitate border villages have now started increasing reverse migration in these valleys, the villages beyond Dungi and Bugdiyar in Johar valley, near Jolingkong in Vyans valley and villages near Khimling in Darma valley are almost empty due to lack of basic infrastructuiral facilities,” said Ram Bharat Singh Kushwaha, Commandant of 14th Battalion of ITBP. He was talking to media persons after foundation ceremony of 14th Batallion of ITBP at Battalion headquarter at Jajardewal, here today.
“Before the migration of villagers from there, the communication network was sound in these border villages, which also used to hélp the border guards, but after the villagers have migrated down, the entire responsibility of guarding the area is being carried by ITBP alone, ” said the ITBP officer.
The ITBP officers said that his force is grading over 3448 km border with China from Karakoram to Lipulekh pass of the country and remains alert round the year irrespective of harsh condition of weather in this region.”The vitality of border villages is essential from national security points of view. Aafter the 19 km long motor road gets constructed upto Dungi, the last security post at Indo-China border in Johar valley from Milan village, this will also help reverse migration of villagers,” hoped Kushwaha.
The raising day of 14th batallion of ITBP was celebrated with presentation of varied cultural programmes at Battalion headquarter at Jajardewal.
