Borders fully secured, forces remain alert round-the-clock: IG BSF

Jammu Tawi, Nov 29: Border Security Force (BSF) Inspector General (Jammu Frontier) Shashank Anand on Saturday said the force remains on round-the-clock alert along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in all weather conditions and is focused on meeting the government’s objective of zero infiltration.

Speaking at an event marking the 60th Raising Day of the BSF, Anand, according to the news agency, said that troops deployed across the Jammu division operate in rain, fog, floods and extreme temperatures to secure the border.

He said the force’s operational approach is guided by coordination with multiple security and intelligence agencies and supported by modern technology.

“The BSF is aware of every movement across the border and receives regular intelligence inputs. There is a continuous flow of information regarding which group is moving in which area,” the IG said, adding that the border grid in Jammu and Kashmir involves the BSF, Army, Intelligence Bureau, Special Bureau, National Investigation Agency and other agencies working jointly.

On reports regarding the presence of terrorists across the LoC, Anand said the numbers fluctuate. “Their exit figure keeps changing. Launch pads remain active mainly when infiltration has to be carried out,” he said, adding that no more than two or three groups usually occupy a particular zone at a time.

According to him, there is no indication of terrorists’ training activity in the immediate vicinity of the IB.

He said terrorists earlier preferred operating separately in upper and lower regions, but are now attempting mixed formations. “As such, we have not noticed their presence in the nearby area,” he added.

The IG referred to past examples of BSF personnel continuing operations despite adverse circumstances. Citing Operation Sindoor, he said two BSF jawans “fought till the last moment and were martyred”.

He recalled an incident during floods in Paragwal in Jammu district, where a constable remained at his forward post despite suffering a severe injury and died during the operation.

Assuring people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, Anand said the BSF stands prepared for any situation along the border. “As long as the BSF is present on the border, we are ready for any challenge,” he said.

On the possibility of conventional or hybrid warfare, he said the BSF has experience from 1965, 1971 and the 1999 Kargil conflict. “Whatever strategy the government decides, the BSF will play its role,” he added.

The IG said the BSF is using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and various modern tools to secure the border in poor visibility and harsh weather. “We never leave the border unattended. Our personnel are present with all weapons and equipment in every condition,” he said—(KNO).