The Camel Brigade's Canter

The 800-strong contingent of BSF camels which patrols the 1,400 km Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan and Gujarat is trained to dodge bullets, transport rations, carry light artillery, rescue wounded men

Camel-training is tough; the animals are very moody, have short memories, and quickly forget their training unless it's constantly reinforced

BSF camels retire after 15 years service, and are sold at auctions where they're much sought after by local farmers

The BSF has three breeds of camels-the racing Bikaneri, the tough Jaisalmeri, and the graceful, pedigreed Nachna, which is great for ceremonial occasions

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C aparisoned in rich bridal attire, silver bracelets jingling, noses haughtily in the air, the camels of the Border Security Force's elite Camel Contingent bounce jauntily in time to the beat of the marching band. As they're...