BSF's Elite Dog Unit Takes Part In Beating Retreat Ceremony At Attari-Wagah Border. WATCH

The Border Security Force brought two members of its elite canine unit to participate in the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar on the occasion of Republic Day.

The elite canine unit of the Border Security Force on Thursday took part in the beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab's Amritsar on the occasion of Republic Day. BSF jawans were seen leading two dogs to the ceremony as the canines performed perfect salutes in front of hundreds of spectators. 

Last year, the BSF's canine unit participated in the beating retreat at Attari-Wagah border on Independence day. While last year a labrador and a Belgian shepherd were seen at the ceremony, this year both the canines appeared to have been Belgian shepherds.

Earlier, Indian Army dog Zoom, was posthumously given the Mention-in-Despatches award for his bravery. Zoom died on October 13 last year after sustaining two gunshot injuries in Operation Tangpawa in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, on October 9.

Another Army dog Axel, from the 26 Army dog unit, had received the Mention in Despatches last year for laying down his life in a counter-terrorism operation, 'Rakshak', in Jammu & Kashmir in July 2022. 

Dogs have been an integral part of India's security forces. They have proved extremely valuable in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics operations across the country, especially in sensitive areas, such as those in Jammu & Kashmir. Time and again they have proved their worth in taking down terrorists, laying their lives on the line.

The Indian military and police forces have several wings that use dogs in their operations. The most notable of these is the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), which is responsible for detecting and defusing explosives. These dogs are trained to detect a wide range of explosives, including plastic and homemade bombs.

Another wing that employs dogs is the National Security Guard (NSG), which is a special forces unit that is responsible for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. These dogs are specially trained to work in high-stress environments and are often used to clear buildings and other structures before the NSG operators enter.

The history of the use of dogs in Indian security forces dates back to the early 20th century. The first dogs were used by the British Indian Army to track down rebels and bandits. After India's Independence, the use of dogs in security operations was continued and expanded upon. Today, the Indian military and police forces have a large number of dogs that are used in a variety of roles, including search and rescue, tracking, and explosive detection.

The Indian Army alone has around 27 canine units across the country, with a strength of more than 1200. Among the highly skilled breeds used by the Indian Army are Great Swiss Mountain, German Shepherd, Labrador, Mudhol Hound, Bakharwal, Belgian Malinois,  Rajapalaya, and Cocker Spaniel.