New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday suggested that the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which guards India's porous borders with Nepal and Bhutan, revive its original role of working closely with border communities, fostering a cordial environment and strengthening the intelligence network.

While emphasising that the SSB's role as an armed border-guarding force will continue, Mohan said the force should also focus on its original responsibilities to help establish an institutional mechanism aligned with the Ministry of Home Affairs' vision for the force's emerging roles.

Home Secretary's statement came while addressing the SSB personnel at the force's investiture ceremony here in the national capital, where 18 f...