Doklam effect: India's SSB paramilitary boosts presence along Indo-Bhutan border
The paramilitary force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has stepped up its presence along the Bhutan border and in Eastern Sikkim following the Doklam standoff. The SSB guards the 1,751-km Indo-Nepal border and 699-km Indo-Bhutan border. The SSB's increased presence and infrastructure build-up comes amid reports that China has permanently deployed around 1,600-1,800 troops close to the site of the Doklam standoff.
What was the Doklam standoff?
On July 18, Indian troops objected to China's attempts at building a road towards the Jampheri ridge in Doklam, a Bhutanese territory claimed by Beijing. This culminated in the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. The Indian troops were acting on Bhutan's invitation. On August 28, the Doklam standoff ended with both India and China agreeing to pull back their troops.
Reports: 1,800 Chinese troops deployed at Doklam during winter
In a first, around 1,600-1,800 Chinese troops have been permanently deployed in the Doklam area during winter. The Chinese troops have constructed two helipads, roads, dozens of pre-fabricated huts, shelters, and stores in preparation against the harsh winter, the Times of India reported on December 11. Since the Doklam standoff's resolution in August, Indian troops have maintained the status-quo with Chinese forces.
SSB has continued to expand its force structure
Since the Doklam standoff, the SSB has added two more battalions and currently has a total of 69 available battalions, four short of its authorized number of 73. The four remaining battalions would be functional by December 31, 2017. The SSB has added eight additional Border Out-Posts (BOP) from January 2017 to a total of 635 in November 2017.
SSB buying drones, assault rifles, bullet-proof vehicles
As part of its modernization drive, the SSB has acquired two Netra-II drones and is procuring two Laser-Based Explosive cum Narcotic Detectors. The SSB has received authorization to procure 9,917 Assault Rifles, 22 Automatic Grenade Launcher, 324 Underbarrel Grenade Launchers, and 14 Multiple Grenade Launchers. It's also adding seven Mine-Protected Vehicles, 15 Light Armed Troop Carriers and 12 Bullet Proof Vehicles to its fleet.
