Patil praises SSB for living up to its aim

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) Underlining that peace could be maintained without using arms, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said 'Sashastra Seema Bal' (SSB), keeping its basic aim -- Seva, Surakhsa, Bandhutva -- in mind, was doing a good job.

''Feeling of brotherhood is necessary as good thoughts help building peace,'' he said, noting that the SSB was manning the open borders with Nepal and other countries which was a difficult task.

Addressing the 45th anniversary function of the force here, the minister said, ''People generally cross over the border for business and cultural exchange but there are other elements that try to create unrest.

Promising to do everything possible to improve the working condition of the force, Mr Patil said government would look into the demands made by the Director General of the SSB.

''The jawans of the force have to work in difficult conditions and they have been successful in whatever they were assigned to do,'' the minister said adding that he would ask the authorities concerned to immediately do all required in this regard.

The minister also stressed the importance of celebrating the anniversary, which he said keeps us going.

''It helps us evaluate what did we do in the past one year and also inspires us set new goals for the year ahead,'' Mr Patil said.

Earlier, SSB Director General Gopal Sharma, welcoming the Union Home Minister said the force would continue to serve the country with the same vigour.

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