The Central Government has decided to deploy Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB) to guard Kutch border in Gujarat. SSB was withdrawn around one and a half decades back from the Pakistan border.
Nearly 90 companies of SSB were operating in Kutch from 1988 up to 2001. However, the then Government decided to shift SSB personnel to Nepal and Bhutan borders. SSB is having headquarters in Jamnagar. Two strategically important places Bhachau and Nakhatrana in the bordering district Kutch would be operating under Jamnagar SSB, said sources. Set up in the year 1963 SSB is functioning under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It was initiated following serious problems with neighbouring country China to inculcate feelings of national belonging in the population residing in the border areas as well as to develop their capabilities for resistance through a continuous process of motivation, training, development, welfare programmes and activities in the then NEFA, North Assam, North Bengal, hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and ladakh.
It was later on extended to Manipur, Tripura, Jammu, Meghalaya, Sikkim, border areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. According to sources the decision was taken following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on reforming the National Security System. It works as a border guarding force and lead intelligence agency. Its prime role in Kutch would be to function as reserved force.