Updated: September 1, 2020 5:26:06 pm
Army trucks move towards Ladakh via the Leh-Manali highway in Manali on Monday, August 31, 2020. (PTI Photo)
There have been reports that a Special Border Force (SFF) unit, known as the Vikas Battalion, has been instrumental in occupying some key heights in the Real control line (LAC) with China in Ladakh to thwart any occupation by Chinese troops. Here’s a look at what the mysterious SFF comprises and its historical role in the Indian Army.
What is the Special Border Force (SFF)?
SFF was raised in the immediate aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War. It was an undercover team that recruited Tibetans (it now has a mix of Tibetans and Gorkhas) and was initially called Establishment 22. It was so named because it was raised by Major General Sujan Singh Uban, an artillery officer who had commanded 22 Mountain Regiment. Therefore, he named the new undercover group after his regiment. The group was later renamed the Special Border Force and is now under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Secretariat, where it is headed by an Inspector General who is an Army officer with the rank of Major General. The units that make up the SFF are known as Vikas battalions. Former Army Chief of Staff, General Dalbir Singh held that position at one point while in his service.
📣 Express explained is now in Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@ieexplained) and stay up to date with the latest
Are SFF drives part of the Army?
Strictly speaking, SFF units are not part of the Army but function under the operational control of the Army. Units have their own rank structures that have a status equivalent to Army ranks. However, they are highly trained special forces personnel who can perform a variety of tasks that would normally be performed by any special forces unit. SFF units, therefore, function virtually like any other Army unit in operational areas despite having separate status and history. They have their own training establishment where SFF recruits receive special forces training. By the way, female soldiers are also part of the SFF units and perform specialized tasks.
Also in Explained | What is the significance of the southern shore of Pangong Tso of Ladakh?
What are the main operations in which the SFF units have participated?
There are several open and covert operations that SFF units have participated in over the years. They participated in the operations of the 1971 war, Operation Blue Star in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Kargil conflict, and counter-insurgency operations in the country. There are also several other operations the SFF has been involved in, but the details are classified.
What was the role of the SFF in the 1971 war?
In 1971, the SFF operated in the mountainous areas of Chittagong in East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) to neutralize the Pakistani Army positions and help the Indian Army advance. The operation was codenamed “Operation Eagle.” They were airlifted to operational areas and infiltrated behind enemy lines to destroy Pakistan Army communication lines. They also played a vital role in preventing the flight of Pakistani army personnel from Bangladesh to Burma (now Myanmar). By one estimate, more than 3,000 SFF members were used in covert operations in the eastern theater of the 1971 war. A large number of SFF personnel received awards for bravery.
📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay up to date with the latest headlines
For the latest news explained, download the Indian Express app.
© The Indian Express (P) Ltd
.
