In order to curb the infiltration along the India-Pakistan border, an operation named ‘Operation Sudarshan’ was launched on 1st July. Now, in order to fortify the anti-infiltration grid’ along the border, an exercise has been launched by Border Security Force (BSF) which has mobilized its entire senior field brass, thousands of troops and machinery deployed in these forward areas.
The ‘Operation Sudarshan’ was intended to cover the 1000 km long border, of which, 553 kms fall in Punjab and 485 kms fall in Jammu. The sensitive International Border (IB) also runs down towards Rajasthan and Gujarat.
According to the PTI, a huge assortment of heavy machinery, communication interceptors and mobile bulletproof bunkers have been mobilised, backed by thousands of BSF personnel as part of the exercise. PTI also reported that frontier and battalion commanders (from the Inspector General to the Commandant rank), their second-in-commands and company (unit) commanders of the about 40 battalions of the BSF are camping in the forward areas of the two states to finish the operation within a fortnight and be at their bases by July 15.
Further, multiple patrols are being undertaken to strengthen Indian defence positions and locations for launching offensive action at these borders to seal the front against infiltration of terrorists and drug mules.
The commanders of the force have been asked to prepare their watchtowers and sentry posts better, replenish arms and ammunition dumps, strengthen artillery positions, check and plug border fence breaches, detect underground and cross-border tunnels and make all operational and logistical arrangements to strengthen the vigil along the sensitive and infiltration-prone border.
Further, in order to ensure security and safety, the commanders have been asked to see that the Jawans follow the standard operating procedures which include an all-time stock of bulletproof vests, ‘patka’ (armoured head gear) and combat gear. They have been asked to ensure that the ‘sarkanda’ or the elephant grass on the border is cut for better visibility against any movement on the border and instances of drugs smuggling through couriers.
Moreover, according to sources, as part of the operation, big earthen mounds on the International Border will be flattened, new bunkers and ‘ditch-cum-bandh’ (trenches) are being dug and BSF posts are being better armoured against sniper firing incidents. A fleet of heavy and small all-terrain vehicles has been mobilised in these areas along with dispatching of fresh 4X4 vehicles, to be placed on the borders.
These measures are aimed at giving the anti-infiltration policy of the government a further boost. Recently, Minister of State for Home Nithyanand Rai, had submitted stated in the parliament that cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by 43 percent, since last year.
He said, “The Government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards cross-border infiltration. Due to concerted and synergised efforts of security forces, the security situation in the state has witnessed an improvement in the first half of this year over the corresponding period of 2018. Net infiltration has reduced by 43 percent.”
Meanwhile, MoS Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy, while talking about measures against terrorism stated in the parliament, “Terrorist initiated incidents saw a decline of 28 percent, net infiltration reduced by 43 percent, local recruitment declined by 40 percent and neutralisation of terrorists has increased by 22 percent.”
With Operation Sudarshan in place, the efforts of curbing infiltration will see a further boost. Tremendous initiatives are being taken with the mobilizing of forces and further placement of security measures. India’s hostile neighbor best beware.
