NEW DELHI: Building roads to make the country's forward posts on high altitudes more accessible and an independent Air Wing to streamline "air-maintained" operations are two major priorities for the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) during the next few years.

Addressing media persons on the eve of the 44th ITBP Raising Day here on Saturday, Director-General S.K.Kain announced that the Union Home Ministry had agreed in principle to build 28 such roads and the work was likely to be completed during the next few years.

Mr. Kain said the need of these roads had been felt since long by the ITBP. However, it did not figure among the priorities due to some policy matters. He said now there was a change in the policy and it was agreed that men posted at very high altitudes need to be in constant touch with the base camp.

Another project that the ITBP is keenly looking forward to is having an Air Wing of its own. "There are 22 ITBP posts that are air-maintained. Everything they need has to be supplied through aircraft. If we have an independent Air Wing, we would able to coordinate better, particularly in times of emergency," said Mr. Kain. Nine helicopters are expected to be inducted into the force.

In wake of the increased role of the ITBP, as it is replacing Assam Rifles along the North-East border, the number of battalions would also be increased. "Also, we need more reserves so that the tenure of men deployed on forward posts, which remain completely inaccessible during winters, can be better regulated," said Mr. Kain.

The personnel posted at high altitudes will also be provided with "Siachen clothing," he added.

Later, reacting to a query, Mr. Kain said the number of violations by the Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control had reduced considerably during the past one year and the relations between the men on both sides are cordial"There have been no exchange of fire and the meetings have been held in a cordial atmosphere," he said.

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