All measures in place to counter drone, other challenges: BSF

‘Militants waiting for opportunity to sneak’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: In the wake of Pakistan army using drones to smuggle consignments of arms, ammunition and explosives into the Indian territory from Punjab, the BSF today said it was ready and capable to face any such challenge from Pakistan on Jammu frontiers but maintained that no drone-related incident has been reported along the International Border in Jammu sector so far.
“I want to assure the country that the BSF is ready and capable to face any challenge. We don’t see any danger from drones. No drone related incident has occurred at Jammu borders so far. Our jawans are trained to counter any such challenge from Pakistan side on the International Border,” Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontiers, NS Jamwal told reporters today on the sidelines of a sports function.
He said all necessary measures have been taken to counter the threat (of dropping weapons through drones by Pakistan army) along Jammu Frontiers, which were spread over three border districts of Kathua, Samba and Jammu
“Though we do not see any major threat from the drones, we have conducted training programmes for the troops and sensitized them,” Jamwal said, adding that so far no incident of enemy drone citing has been reported from anywhere along the International Border in Jammu region.
Admitting that challenge (of arms dropping through drones by Pakistan) was there, the BSF Jammu chief said: “the BSF was fully alert and appropriate action will be taken (in case any drone comes into this side)”.
It may be mentioned here that Pakistan army had used drones on the International Border in neighbouring Punjab to smuggle weapons into the Indian territory. The modus operandi was detected after the drone developed snag and couldn’t return to Pakistan. Consignment of the weapons and explosives was, however, seized by the security forces and police.
A couple of other attempts were also made by Pakistan to push weapons using drones but they were foiled by the security personnel in Punjab. In the wake of use of drones by Pakistan army in Punjab, the BSF has sounded alert along the International Border in all States including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Jamwal said the militants are waiting for an opportunity to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan but assured the country that his force was fully geared up to meet the challenge to keep them safe.
“The major challenges along the Jammu border include armed infiltration by militants, tunneling, sniping and, of course, the drones though no such activity was reported here till date. These are the challenges for the troops deployed on the borders and they are facing it 365 day of the year and are fully prepared,” the IG BSF said.
Asked about the number of terrorists present at launch pads on Pakistan side of the International Border, he said: It’s not right to give any figures because these are mostly based on speculations.”
However, the terrorists are waiting for an opportunity to sneak into this side, he said adding: “We too are waiting to take our action whenever they try to infiltrate. You stay relaxed.”
“With the onset of the winter when the visibility drops due to foggy conditions and hilly areas experience snowfall, all necessary measures have been taken like yesteryears to scuttle any attempt to push terrorists and arms into the Union Territory,” the Inspector General of BSF said.
“We are fully prepared for any challenge. There is an increase in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and International Border particularly in Kathua district of Jammu. Such things do not make any impact as our troops are prepared for winter and respond befittingly,” he added.
Asked about his message to the people of the nation, he said “I want to assure them that they should have faith in the security forces who are fully prepared to deal with any challenge. We will not allow any activity which can harm the people or they should feel unsafe”.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here