Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, Oct 17 (KNS): With the onset of winter approaching, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged increased vigilance and intensified surveillance along the borders of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Top sources in the Defence establishment told news agency KNS that Rajnath Singh's directive underscores the need to remain vigilant and proactive, especially as the summer months wind down.
“Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh emphasized that the threat of infiltration remains a constant concern, particularly during this transitional weather period, ” the sources said.
Sources said that the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) have already strengthened security measures along the borders in order to foil infiltration bids and “terror” attacks.
“Army and the BSF have deployed additional troops and equipment along the IB, and are also conducting regular patrols and surveillance operations.
“The army is working closely with the BSF to ensure coordinated action,”
However sources said that this directive from the Defence Minister comes as part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the safety and integrity of the borders in this strategically significant area.
Sources within the security establishments said that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is host to a sensitive border region, including the Line of Control (LOC) and maintaining a robust security apparatus along this border is of paramount importance.
Sources said that the directive is primarily focused on intensifying vigilance along the International Border and the LOC in various districts of the Union Territory, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, Kupwara, and more.
While maintaining the sanctity of the ceasefire agreement reached by the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) is essential, The Defence minister has reiterated the need to stay vigilant and avoid complacency.
“There is always the potential threat of infiltration attempts and accordingly we enhance our counter-infiltration efforts. This includes strengthening the existing counter-insurgency grid and adopting proactive measures to preempt any nefarious activities along the borders. Senior Army officials have been actively assessing the security scenario in the region, taking into account the specific challenges posed along the LOC,” said one of the top Army officers.
“The winter season is a particularly challenging time for border security, as the dense fog and difficult terrain make it easier for terrorists to infiltrate. However, the Indian Army and BSF are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country's borders, and are taking all necessary measures to prevent infiltration and terror attacks,” the official added.
Sources said that in addition to the above measures, the government is also taking other steps to strengthen border security.
"The winter strategy will be put in place along the IB. In the middle of November onwards till the weather improves, we take several security measures to ensure that we become absolutely impregnable on the border," said the officials.
It is to mention here that two militants were killed in the month of July in an infiltration bid in Macchil sector of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The operation took place close to the line of control early morning (July 19).
In the same month, four militants were killed in an operation in the Surankote area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir. And, in a joint operation, Indian Army and J&K police had killed two infiltrators while foiling an infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of J&K.
Sources said that the top Army commanders are regularly holding meetings with the formations to work on the re-calibration of Counter Infiltration Grid to ensure that no militant gives the slip and reaches the hinterland after crossing the LoC.(KNS)