Chidambaram reviews operational readiness of ITBP

New Delhi, Feb 18 (PTI) Home Minister P Chidambaram todayreviewed the operational preparedness of paramilitary ITBPwhich guards the crucial Indo-China frontier.

Chidambaram, accompanied by senior Home Ministryofficials, visited the force headquarters located at CGOcomplex here.

Sources said senior Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)officers briefed the minister on the recent sanction of there-structuring of the force which will now raise additionalbattalions and centres across the country.

Chidambaram was also briefed about the delays andhindrances in acquiring land for ITBP centres in some statesand the latest weaponry and gadgets inducted into the force.

The minister was also given a presentation on the overalldeployment of the force along the 3,488-kilometre longSino-Indian border, as well as on anti-Naxal operations inMaoist-affected states and other internal security dutiescarried out by the force.

The officers briefed Chidambaram about the expenditure onmodernisation and welfare of the force personnel.

The ITBP has about 45 battalions (45000 personnel)presently along with an exclusive women contingent.

Chidambaram had recently held review meetings for otherparamilitary forces like CRPF, BSF and CISF.