Lauding the role of the BSF in securing India's borders bravely and in a selfless manner, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Monday called upon the force to play an active role in curtailing cattle smuggling across the Bangladesh border.
Addressing the 49th BSF Day celebrations here, the minister said Border Security Force jawans have given a befitting reply whenever Pakistan violated the ceasefire.
"When Pakistan recently violated the ceasefire, the BSF dealt with it with utmost restraint, but when provoked with frequent ceasefire violations, the response by the BSF men was commendable," he said.
"The people of India are harbingers of peace but if somebody dares hurt the country, the BSF will crush such evil designs with all the might at its disposal," he said.
Rajnath Singh also congratulated the security force on entering the golden jubilee year of its foundation, said an official statement.
He assured the BSF personnel that the government was aware of their grievances.
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"I am aware of your grievances and the government is sensitive to the issues facing the BSF," he said.
Rajnath Singh took the salute at a parade by BSF troopers.
Highlighting the force's role during wars, he said the BSF has always been the first line of defence.
He also suggested that a booklet be published giving an account of all the "supreme sacrifice" made by the BSF men.
The minister paid tributes to the troopers and officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.