BSF North Bengal to have first women-only music band

SNS, SILIGURI, 30 JANUARY 2022: The Border Security Force (BSF) is all set to introduce its women-only musical band in the North Bengal Frontier (NBF).

Inspector General of the BSF, NBF, Ajai Singh, has said that this will be the first time such a hand will he formed here.

Talking to reporters, Mr Singh said: "Very talented and culturally developed girls are joining the BSF. A group of women was interested in music. During their training, the authorities constituted a music club for them and they performed well day by day by playing musical instruments. Finally, the authorities decided to introduce a separate women music band in the NBF, BSF."

Notably, the BSF's NBF has a band and orchestra team with only male members.

"At present, 919 Mahila Prahari are undergoing training at the STC (Subsidiary Training Centre) in Baikunthapur. The NBF has 757 Mahila Prahari and they are performing round the clock duties and frisking of women is done by them, " Mr Singh added.

"The BSF has zero tolerance for any sexual harassment and the BSF Act and rules are very powerful," he added.

According to official BSF sources, troops of the BSF deployed at various Border Outposts with in the jurisdiction oft he North Bengal Frontier have seized several smuggled items in 2021 worth Rs 105 crore.

The BSF seized 5694 heads of cattle, 1,69,479 bottles of the Phensedyl cough syrup, 5891 yaba tablets, 16 Lbs snake venom and many other items, including 423.93 kg ganja smuggled from India to Bangladesh.

Interestingly, "other contraband" items seized during 2021 was worth Rs 1.93 crore, the BSF said.

"In the year 2021, the BSF apprehended a total of 137 illegal entrants, including 89 Bangladeshis and three Nepalis. A total of 152 smugglers were intercepted. Of them, 41 were from Bangladesh and others from Indian part," the BSF said.