New Delhi, October 14

Following “protests” by the Border Security Force (BSF) against non-inclusion of its marching contingent in the Republic Day parade event next year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) today indicated it was re-considering its order.

Sources said the MHA, in its order earlier this month, had said that only the marching and band contingents of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Delhi Police would be part of the Republic Day parade next year. It asked the BSF to send only its camel contingent and camel-mounted band team.

Sources in the MHA said after the order was issued, the BSF took up the matter with the ministry, “which was now being reviewed”. 

Sources in the BSF said despite all preparations, the force’s marching contingent was not given a slot in this year’s parade too. The Republic Day parade is an esteemed event and troops and officers of various uniformed forces take pride in showcasing their ceremonial best at the event that showcases the defence, security, development and cultural prowess of the country.

The about 2.5 lakh personnel strong BSF is tasked to guard India’s terror and infiltration-prone border with Pakistan, the crime-sensitive frontier with Bangladesh and is also deployed to render a number of tasks in the internal security domain of the country. — TNS