Addressing the newly inducted jawans, Union Minister for Water Resources Harish Rawat, who also took a ceremonial salute by them, showered praise on the ITBP describing it as a force which had not only played an important role in guarding the country's northern borders but also helped combat internal security threats like Naxalism.
"The country is grateful to the ITBP which has proved its utility on all fronts including anti-Maoist operations," he said.
ITBP sources said the cadets, who had come from different parts of the country, had to undergo rigorous physical training for 308 days during which they were taught to operate weapons, read and decipher maps besides being given tips on rock climbing, conventional warfare, field engineering and counter-insurgency operations.
"We have also trained the recruits in various forms of guerilla warfare," ITBP Inspector General (Northern Frontier) I S Negi said.