SFF: The Vikas Battalion (Blog Series- 1, Ep.- 2)

SFF: Special Frontier Force

The Special Frontier Force or better referred to as the Vikas Battalion by the Indian Armed Forces personnel is a highly classified paramilitary force. It was formed after the Indo-China war of 1962. The force's only objective is to invade China and destroy its bases. Majority of the personnel recruited in this force are Tibetians who took shelter in India after China captured the Tibetian territory. As the Indian Govt. wanted to use the anger of the Tibetians in a right way against China and the Tibetians were already used to the extreme climate in the Himalayan regions.

Formation and Governing Body

The SFF was formed on 14 November 1962. It is directly governed by the Research & Analysis Wing which is responsible for the external security of the country. This body is better known to the general public as RAW. The force is headed by an inspector general who is chosen from the rank of Major General of the Indian Army. The force reports directly to the PMO (Prime Minister's Office). It is important to note here that the SFF is not a part of the Indian Army.

Operations

Though majority of the operations performed by the SFF are classified meaning they aren't open to general public, some of there operations or some operations in which the force had taken part are known or are famous, they are:-

1. OPERATION RAKSHAK
2. CHINA - INDIA 2020 SKIRMISHES 
3. BANGLADESH LIBERATION WAR OF 1971
4. COLD WAR 1964 WITH CHINA

Composition and Battalions

The SFF consists of six battalions called 1 Vikas, 2 Vikas, 3 Vikas, 5 Vikas, 7 Vikas. Each battalion has 800 troopers and each battalion is commanded by a colonel of the Indian Army. Its important to note that the SFF started recruiting the Gorkhas since 1965 and from 1980s Tibetians aren't given commissioned ranks anymore. Women are also inducted  for specialized operations in signals and medical field. The SFF is headquartered at Chakrata in Uttarakhand.

Thank you! Jai Hind!🔥🔥

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