Monday, March 27 2006 16:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Government today (Mar 27, 2006) admitted that Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) was facing more problems in guarding the open Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders and announced setting up of 21 new battalions, including a woman battalion, to help the force meet the challenges. "Addressing at the 43rd Anniversary Day function of SSB here, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil said 13 battalions are in the pipeline and another seven would be established by next year. There would be a separate battalion for women," he added.

"The Director General has requested for having a woman battalion. It will be established. Another 20 battalions are being established also," he said an announced Rs seven crore for taking up developmental and welfare activities in the force.

SSB, which guards 1818-km long Indo-Nepal and 699-km long Indo-Bhutan borders, has presently 34 battalions comprising about 35,000 personnel.

Patil said guarding both the borders, which have no fencing, is now 'more difficult' than guarding the Bangladesh and Pakistan borders where major stretches have been fenced.

Smuggling and criminal activities have also increased on the borders. SSB has arrested 994 alleged smuglers in 2005, seizing narcotics worth Rs four crore from them.