It was initially a paramilitary force of 10,000, established in 1951, which was responsible for policing a zone 30 km deep along the border.

Students were undeterred by the deployment of a heavy police and paramilitary force by the state.

Faced with the prospect of paying for a paramilitary force which could only sit on its hands, the owners agreed to disband it.

This civil paramilitary force was original envisaged to maintain order in an urban setting.

Although generally regarded as a versatile and competent paramilitary force, the gendarmerie has been severely tested in dealing with civil disorder since 1988.