Neha BaruahSanjeev Raina, a distinguished member of the 1987 batch of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), has been named the Additional Director General (ADG) of the ITBP. His new role will see him overseeing the forces stationed along the India-China Line of Actual Control (LAC). This marks a notable milestone, as Raina is only the second individual outside the Indian Police Service (IPS) to achieve this prestigious rank in the history of the ITBP.
The Significance of This Appointment
Established in 1962 primarily for mountain warfare and border protection, the ITBP has traditionally had IPS officers occupy the ADG position. Raina’s elevation to this role underscores a growing acknowledgment of the expertise and capabilities within the ITBP itself. It highlights the value of long-standing service in challenging field conditions and the respect earned through direct operational experience.
A Look at Sanjeev Raina’s Career
With over three decades of service in the ITBP, Sanjeev Raina began his tenure in November 1987. His career has been marked by significant contributions in some of India’s most strategically sensitive regions, including Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Notably, Raina played a crucial role in establishing the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare (CIJW) school in Mahidanda, Uttarakhand. This institution has been pivotal in enhancing the training of ITBP personnel, particularly in mountainous combat techniques.
As the new ADG of the Western Command based in Chandigarh, Raina will oversee ITBP units along the LAC, covering areas such as Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. His responsibilities will also extend to regions like Punjab, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring the readiness and efficiency of the forces under his command. Although this appointment is a significant achievement, Raina’s tenure will be brief, with his retirement slated for just over a month from now. Following his retirement, Inspector General (IG) Jaspal Singh will succeed him as the new ADG.
About the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), founded in 1962, is a key Central Armed Police Force of India. It is tasked with guarding the Indo-Tibetan border, which spans 3,488 km. The ITBP is renowned for its operations in extreme high-altitude environments, with some units deployed at elevations exceeding 21,000 feet. Historically, the ITBP was the first Indian force to reach the front lines in Kashmir during the 1965 war.
Neha Baruah
