Important Facts For Prelims
61st Raising Day of SSB
- 31 Dec 2024
- 3 min read
Why in News?
Recently, the Union Home Minister attended the 61st Raising Day function of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Siliguri in West Bengal.
- He lauded the role of SSB in protecting the Siliguri Corridor, gateway to Northeast and Sikkim and surrounded by three International borders.
What is Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)?
- About: SSB is a part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and guards India’s border with Nepal (1,751 km) and Bhutan (699 km).
- It is one of the seven paramilitary forces in India (Others 6: Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police and National Security Guard.
- Formation: It was established as the Special Service Bureau in May 1963, in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression in 1962.
- It comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Recognition: SSB is the first central paramilitary force that included women in its ranks.
- In March 2004, SSB was awarded the President's Colours for its key role in national security.
- The President's Colours is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit.
- In March 2004, SSB was awarded the President's Colours for its key role in national security.
What is Siliguri Corridor?
- About: The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land, approximately 60 km long and 17–22 km wide. It is referred to as the 'Chicken Neck' due to its narrow shape.
- Location: Located between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, it is the only land link between India and its northeastern states.
- It is located in West Bengal.
- Importance: It plays a vital role in military logistics, offering key routes for road and railway networks that facilitate the movement of armed forces.
- Non-access to Siliguri Corridor, would isolate India’s northeastern region, severing supply lines and reinforcements.
