Enhanced security measures target rising terrorist activities and drone-based smuggling across the frontier
The Border Security Force (BSF) has significantly increased its manpower and deployed additional CCTVs along the Punjab-Jammu inter-state border in response to a surge in terrorist incidents along the India-Pakistan frontier in Jammu, according to Inspector General (IG) Atul Fulzele.
Speaking at a press conference at the BSF’s Punjab frontier headquarters, IG Fulzele emphasised the enhanced security efforts, particularly in the Gurdaspur area of Pathankot district, which borders Jammu.
“We used to have linear deployment here, but now we have set up nakas (posts) in depth with additional deployment points and CCTVs installed in large numbers. We are fully alert in this area,” IG Fulzele stated.
These measures are part of a broader response to the increased terrorist activities in the Jammu region, which have claimed the lives of more than 20 security personnel and civilians in recent months. The BSF has also expanded its surveillance along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers by installing numerous CCTV cameras to monitor these critical areas.
The Union Home Ministry recently redirected two BSF battalions from Odisha to bolster security along the Jammu and Punjab-Jammu border. Addressing the issue of cross-border narcotics smuggling into Punjab, IG Fulzele highlighted the growing use of drones for airlifting contraband into India, stating that traditional land-based smuggling methods have become nearly obsolete.
According to Fulzele, the BSF’s analysis reveals that these drone operations likely have the backing of state-sponsored elements in Pakistan. “All cross-border drugs entering Punjab now come via drones. The launch pads are usually near the International Border or close to Pakistani border posts,” he explained.
Notably, since October of the previous year, larger drones have been replaced by smaller, quieter models that are harder to detect. The BSF has adapted its strategies, deploying new methods to trace and intercept these drones, recovering contraband such as heroin, firearms, and ammunition.
Despite these efforts, some drones remain undetected, flying at altitudes over one kilometre. The BSF has communicated its concerns to Pakistan through various diplomatic channels, but the responses have been largely dismissive.
Additionally, in light of recent developments in Bangladesh, the BSF has implemented preventive measures along the Punjab border, although no immediate concerns have arisen from this situation. As part of the security preparations for Independence Day on August 15, the BSF has entered an “operations alert” mode along the entire 553 km stretch of the Punjab border.
The BSF currently deployed around 20 battalions, comprising more than 21,000 personnel, to safeguard the Punjab International Border.
