Meghalaya
BSF officials in Shillong. Photo credit: Northeast Now

The Border Security Force (BSF) is the only security force in India that allows its troopers to use their smartphones to keep in touch with their families, a top official saidin Shillong on Saturday.

โ€œWe are the only force in the country that allow smartphones. I know the Army, Navy and the Air Force do not allow,โ€ BSF chief K.K. Sharma told the media on Friday.

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โ€œI took a conscious decision of allowing smartphones so that they (troopers) can remain in touch with their families and friends. They can use internet and social media to gain knowledge,โ€ he said.

However, the BSF have been counseling its troopers over social media usage as it is a very โ€œrisky mediumโ€, Sharma added.

โ€œPeople try to spread misinformation through social media. We tell the troopers to verify every information they receive on their smartphones and to never forward a message which is negative in nature.

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โ€œDisciplinary actions will be taken against those who are found doing so,โ€ he added.

The troopers are not allowed to use the smartphones while on duty.

โ€œThe troopers are required to deposit their smartphones before going on duty at the borders,โ€ he added.

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