Republic Day: ITPB bags best marching contingent award for 6th time

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) won the best marching contingent among all paramilitary and auxiliary forces that marched down the majestic Rajpath during Republic Day celebrations.

The ITBP force guarding the 3,448 km India-China frontier, made a return to the national event after a gap of two years.

The 148-member squad was led by Assistant Commandant Akshay Deshmukh.

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The contingent represented all formations of the Force comprising members from almost all Units of the Force.

“It was a matter of pride for us as our contingent was adjudged as the best marching contingent in this year’s Republic Day parade,” ITBP spokesperson Vivek Pandey said.

The ITBP had previously won the best contingent trophy in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2011.

The contingent credited 12 to 14 hours of rigorous practice, up to 19 km every day route march, special yoga and meditation for the last two months for the achievement.

The trophy will be handed over to the force by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The ITBP renders various duties in the internal security domain, including anti-Naxal operations.