Assam: BSF deployment for elections raises concerns about security along Indo-Bangla border
Guwahati: With Lok Sabha elections on the horizon, the deployment of several Border Security Force (BSF) companies on election duty has sparked concerns about the security along the Indo-Bangla border.
According to a source, the government has requested at least two companies of BSF personnel from its battalions for election duty. These companies will be deployed in various locations from the Eastern Command.
The source revealed that while a BSF company is authorized to have 137 personnel, the actual number on active duty is typically around 60-65.
The government has now requested that these companies be brought up to a strength of 90 personnel for election purposes.
To meet this requirement, the source claims that personnel will be drawn from other companies still on active duty. With approximately 90 battalions deployed in the eastern region, diverting two companies and additional personnel could significantly weaken border security, the source warned.
The source further alleged that the designated duty hours for BSF personnel are eight hours per day. However, these hours have reportedly been extended to 14-15 hours daily.