CLIMBS OF INDO-TIBET BORDER POLICE

S. P. CHAMOLI

THE INDO-TIBET BORDER POLICE (I.T.B.P.) is basically a mountain force working in close proximity of the Greater Himalayan range. Ever since its inception this force has systematically carried out a meticulously worked out intensive programme of moulding every member of the force into a veritable mountaineer. Rock climbing course is a must for all I.T.B.P. jawans: and those who show special aptitude are given higher institutionalised training — both inside as well as outside the I.T.B.P. This theoretical knowledge is given claws and teeth by sending the I.T.B.P. boys to explore the Himalaya, to acquire first hand knowledge.

The year 1970 really marked the flowering of mountaineering in this force when I.T.B.P. started organising its own expeditions to various Himalayan peaks, especially those which were considered to be technically difficult and had remained unclimbed, In order to measure and assess the extent to which the I.T.B.P. mountaineers had been able to imbibe and assimilate the techniques and skills taught to them. The start was made with the Trisul expedition under the leadership of Hukam Singh in 1970 and to date I.T.B.P. has climbed a total 44 peaks out of which 25 are first ascents.

In the field of white water rafting also, I.T.B.P. mountaineers after climbing Saser Kangri III made a maiden rafting venture through the Shyok river in 1986 under the leadership of S. P. Chamoli.

I.T.B.P. climbers have also participated in various joint expeditions and distinguished themselves by contributing to the success of the main expeditions. Some of these major joint expeditions are: Ski-Trisul sponsored by the I.M.F. in which Hukam Singh participated, Saser Kangri II Indo-Japanese expedition under the leadership of Hukam Singh alongwith 9 members of T.T.B.P., Nun (I.T.B.P.-I.A.F. Expedition) under the joint leadership of Chait Singh in which two members of I.T.B.P. climbed the peak, Nanda Devi expedition sponsored by I.M.F. in which Sonam Palzor of I.T.B.P. climbed the peak, Rimo I Indo-Japanese .joint expedition sponsored by the I.M.F. under the leadership of llukam Singh in which three members of I.T.B.P. climbed the peak. Joint Indo-New Zealand Himalayan Traverse Expedition sponsored by I.M.F. under the leadership of S. P. Chamoli of I.T.B.P. successfully trekked the entire Himalaya from Kangchenjunga in the rust to the Karakoram in the west and covered more than 5000 km and crossed more than 106 high passes between 3000 m and 6300 m. I.T.B.P. has also made great contribution to the success of 1965 Indian Everest expedition which was successful in putting 9 members on top of the Everest under the leadership of Capt. M. S. Kohli who was at that time Commandant of I.T.B.P. Sonam. Palzor of I.T.B.P. has also climbed Everest in the next successful Indian expedition in 1984.

RECORD OF I.T.B.P. CLIMBS 1970-1988

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