Exclusive: Inside ITBP's High-Altitude Operations and Essential Equipment Along the LAC

Arunachal Pradesh, India: At an altitude of over 14,000 feet in the rugged terrains of Arunachal Pradesh, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 25th Battalion Headquarters in Tezu stands as a pivotal centre for maintaining vigilance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. As tensions occasionally flare up at the border, the ITBP's preparedness and training play a crucial role in ensuring security and stability in this sensitive region.

The ITBP troops at Tezu engage in a rigorous daily Battle Preparedness Training (BPT) regimen, designed to maintain peak physical and tactical readiness. This training encompasses five intensive exercises:  

• 5 km Running – Enhances endurance and stamina.  
• Horizontal Rope Climbing – Builds upper body strength and agility.  
• Vertical Rope Climbing – Improves climbing skills and vertical mobility.  
• Ditch Jumping – Tests agility and coordination in overcoming obstacles.  
• 100-Metre Sprint – Focuses on speed and quick reflexes.  

These exercises are performed while carrying heavy backpacks, rucksacks, firearms, cartridges, and other essential equipment, weighing approximately 25 kilograms. This preparation ensures that the troops are ready to handle the demanding conditions and tasks they may encounter while patrolling the LAC.   

Essential Gear for Border Patrolling

The ITBP troops are equipped with a range of advanced instruments and weaponry to aid their operations:  

1. GPS Devices – For accurate navigation and positioning.  
2. Tablets – For real-time data access and communication.  
3. Night Vision Cameras – Essential for surveillance and operations in low-light conditions.  
4. Ice Axes – Vital for manoeuvring in icy terrains.  
5. Rucksacks and Ropes – For carrying supplies and climbing.  
6. Helmet Lights – Providing visibility in dark and adverse conditions.  
7. Binoculars – For long-distance observation and monitoring.  

Arms and Equipment

The ITBP troops are armed with a variety of weapons suited to their operational needs:  

1. AK-47 – A reliable assault rifle.  
2. Carbine 9mm – For close-quarters engagements.  
3. Mortar – For indirect fire support.  
4. MMG (Medium Machine Gun) – For sustained fire.  
5. Pistol 9mm – For personal defence.  
6. INSAS Rifle and LMG (Light Machine Gun) – Standard-issue rifles and machine guns.  
7. Bren LMG – A versatile light machine gun.

These tools are crucial for maintaining situational awareness and effective communication with neighbouring units and counterparts, including during border meetings and skirmishes.   

Exclusive Access to Wacha BMP  

The ITBP operates several critical Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) points along the LAC, where interactions with Chinese counterparts occur. These points are strategic locations for managing disputes and ensuring a cautious peace between the two nations. One such significant location is the Wacha Border Watch Point, the easternmost outpost in Arunachal Pradesh.

Republic Digital gained exclusive access to the Wacha Border Meeting Point, a crucial site for flag meetings and border management. This area, strictly off-limits to civilians, is where scheduled border meetings occur, and flag meetings are conducted during skirmishes or disagreements. The observation point at Wacha allows ITBP personnel to monitor Chinese military installations directly. Through advanced telescopes and binoculars, the presence of Chinese posts and flags can be observed, underscoring the high level of vigilance maintained at this sensitive location.