Shivraj Patil presents medals at BSF intvestiture ceremony

New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) Home Minister Shivraj Patil gave away Police Medals for Gallantry and meritorious service to BSF personnel at the Investiture Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan today.

Two of the 26 medals for gallantry were awarded posthumously.

Twelve medals were given away for meritorious service. The ceremony is held every year on May 22 to commemorate the birth anniversary of K F Rustamji, who was entrusted with the task of the founding the Border Security Force in August 1965.

Mr Patil, in his brief address, said Rustamji's name will always be remembered for raising the para-military force. He assured the BSF that the Government would strive to fulfil all their requirements.

BSF Director General A K Mitra, in his address, said under the dynamic leadership of Rustamji for over nine years, the BSF gained recognition as the premier central police force and since then has grown by leaps and bounds in size, stature and service.

Today it is a force to be reckoned with in its firepower and strength ever resilient to undertake diverse duties without demur.

It works shoulder to shoulder with the Army on LOC matching their capabilities in training, discipline, morale and weaponry to secure the border in peace and war, he said.

The force, born with only 25 battalions, grew in strength and commitment with the passage of time and was at present with 157 battalions spread all over the country.

In the past 15 years, 1349 men including officers had made the supreme sacrifice at the altar of duty.as many as 4672 militants have been liquidated and 11667 militants and 390050 anti-social elements arrested, he added.

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