Sashastra Seema Bal: Life Of A Jawan At High Altitude

Описание: The valley was cloaked in deep silence. The howling icy wind would occasionally stir up a few pine leaves, but that’s about all the movement you will notice the whole day. Unless, you’re at the Sashastra Seema Bal border outpost in Gunji.

Situated at an altitude of 10,555 feet, the meditative lull in the valley of Gunji is briefly disrupted by the pace of activity from 6 am onwards, when soldiers from the 11th Battalion line up in a single file at the call of a whistle, ready for physical training classes. “Now they’re going to tackle an obstacle course with 18 obstacles, in quick succession carrying their weapons,” informed Commandant Rajesh Thakur. The air was thin, and I would take one long gasp every five seconds. “Unlike Pakistan, the India-Nepal border is usually peaceful, but we don’t know for how long. Maintaining status quo is the most important. So our soldiers have to prepared for any eventuality,” added Thakur, a ghost of a smile twisted a corner of his mouth.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a part of the Central Armed Police Force of India, organised a 184-km expedition to their high altitude posts situated along the Indo-Nepal international border in January this year. Approximately 30 officers from all across the country traversed the distance on foot to boost up the morale of the jawans doing duty in extreme weather conditions. Indian Express, The Indian Express Newspaper, The Indian Express, Indian express news, indian express editorial Today's Indian Express newspaper offers a comprehensive package of news, including Indian Express editorial analysis and Indian Express analysis today. This well-respected publication covers a wide range of topics in its India Express editorial and Indian Express news sections. Stay informed with the Indian Express newspaper today.