Marching contingents of the country’s three exclusive border-guarding forces will be missing in action this Republic Day, as they will not walk the Rajpath at the event that showcases the defence and security prowess of the country.
Officials said the contingents of Sino-India border-guarding force ITBP, Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan frontier force SSB, and the largest among them — the BSF, that secures fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh, have not been asked to join the preparations till now, despite only about 20 days remaining for the event.
For the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the Sashastra Seema Bal, the absence will be for the second straight year as their contingents were not included during the last January 26 event, making it the first time that these two Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) did not participate in the Republic Day parade.
A senior paramilitary commander said a number of representations have been made to the home ministry. But they are still to hear a positive news.
“The men and women of these forces feel neglected and demoralised that they will be not be able to march,” the official said.
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