Koraput: The 84th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) conducted a one-day exhibition, showcasing various arms, ammunition and equipment used by them on the occasion of Republic Day in Jeypore on Friday.

"By joining defence forces, the students would not only have a bright career, but also serve the nation. Apart from motivating the students to join defence forces, the show provides a brief idea about the weapons used by the forces and the BSF's work nature to the public," said a senior official.

The weapons displayed were 81mm mortar, 7.62 medium machine gun, 30mm automatic grenade launcher system, hand-held metal detectors, hand held thermal imaging camera, night-vision equipment, pistol FN 9mm, high-explosive hand grenade, sniper shooting gun, arsenal rifle, Insas rifle, 51mm mortar, Beratta storm sub-machine gun, X-95 rifles among others.

Visitors throng the Baba Saheb Kalyan Mandap, the exhibition venue, to have a glimpse of arms used by the forces. The exhibition was opened from 10am to 4pm.

"I was excited to see all sophisticated arms and equipment used by the security forces in one place," said Jyotirmoyee Panigrahi, an intermediate student.

Local resident Sukant Behera said: "I posed for a photo with a weapon. It was exciting."

The exhibition had galleries throwing light on the social services done by the BSF, lifestyle of the jawans and videos displaying war footages.

"I have come to know that the jawans undertake various social services such as organising health camps and rescuing people at the time of emergencies," said Class IX student Anup Mishra.

The battalion is stationed at Nabarangpur district and engaged in anti-Naxalite operation.