Amit Shah Salutes ITBP 'Himveers' on Raising Day, Praises Their Courage in Snow-Covered Mountains

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended his greetings to the personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on the force’s Raising Day, praising their courage, resilience and dedication to protecting India’s borders under some of the harshest climatic conditions. In a message posted on X, Shah lauded the ITBP personnel, popularly known as ‘Himveers’ or Himalayan Warriors, for their unwavering commitment to national security and their ability to confront threats in challenging mountainous terrain. He said their determination to endure extreme weather reflected India’s firm resolve to safeguard its sovereignty.

Shah also paid tribute to the personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, remembering their supreme sacrifice in service to the nation. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also conveyed his greetings to the officers and soldiers of the ITBP on its Foundation Day. He commended the force for displaying exceptional bravery and dedication while guarding some of the most difficult and inaccessible stretches of the Himalayan frontier.

In his message on X, Birla highlighted the role of ITBP personnel in protecting the country’s borders and serving the nation in demanding circumstances. He said their courage, discipline and commitment to duty had established a remarkable example of national service. Birla added that the force’s dedication to protecting the motherland remained a source of pride and inspiration for the country, and offered his respects to all personnel engaged in safeguarding India.

The ITBP also marked the occasion by extending its best wishes to its serving personnel, known as ‘Himveers’ and ‘Himveeranganas’, along with their families. The force reaffirmed its commitment to national service and highlighted its guiding motto, ‘Shaurya, Dridhata, Karm Nishtha’, which translates to valour, steadfastness and dedication to duty. In its Raising Day message on X, the paramilitary force said its personnel would continue to remain committed to serving the nation, while extending congratulations and greetings to members of the force and their families.

The ITBP plays a crucial role in securing India’s 3,488-kilometre-long border with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Its personnel operate across high-altitude and often inhospitable regions spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Established on October 24, 1962, following the India-China war, the force was initially formed to strengthen border security along the Himalayan frontier. It began with four battalions and was tasked with preventing border violations, monitoring sensitive areas and providing a sense of security to communities living near the border.

The ITBP’s responsibilities have expanded beyond border protection. Its personnel are also involved in disaster relief operations, internal security assignments, anti-Naxal deployments, VIP protection and election-related duties in different parts of the country. Raising Day is observed annually on October 24 to recognise the courage, service and sacrifices of ITBP personnel stationed in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Many serve at elevations exceeding 18,000 feet in areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. The occasion is commemorated through ceremonies, parades, cultural programmes and tributes to fallen personnel at the force’s headquarters in New Delhi and other formations. The annual observance recognises the contribution of the ‘Himveers’ to border security and their continued service to the nation.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.