The Union Home Minister declared that India’s critical frontiers with Pakistan and Bangladesh will achieve complete fortification within the next two years. While addressing a ceremonial parade of the BSF during its 59th Raising Day celebrations, the HM emphasised ongoing efforts to seal remaining gaps in approximately a 60-kilometre stretch along these borders. Safeguarding vast borders spanning thousands of kilometres poses an immense challenge, necessitating substantial investments in manpower, cutting-edge equipment, and state-of-the-art technology. Meticulous planning is indispensable to address every conceivable infiltration route, compounded by the formidable challenges posed by extreme desert conditions and bone-chilling winters in snow-covered mountainous terrains. The complexity is further exacerbated by the intricate network of rivers and rivulets coursing through the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Compounding the intricacies, infiltration threats emanate from both Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Government has undertaken the formidable task of fencing the entire border, a Herculean feat hampered by diverse terrains. Consequently, technology assumes a pivotal role, with the current administration consistently embracing cutting-edge advancements to counter infiltration. Night vision cameras, equipped with automatic alarm systems, have been strategically installed as a countermeasure. In response to the pervasive use of tunnels by infiltrators, tunnel-detection drones have been deployed, constituting a crucial component of the security apparatus. Drones, extensively exploited for dropping arms and narcotics, have prompted the Government to explore the deployment of anti-drone systems in vulnerable areas.
Given the myriad tactics employed by adversaries across the border, the significance of the BSF becomes palpable. The present Government has spared no effort to fortify the porous routes of infiltration. The remarkable decline in terrorist incidents nationwide serves as a testament to the secured borders under the current regime. The Government acknowledges existing gaps and remains resolute in closing these loopholes, consistently adapting strategies as necessitated. Emphasis has been laid on fostering new villages near the border, recognising villagers as the first line of defence. The meticulous fencing and sealing of breaches spanning approximately 560 km along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders have been achieved under the present regime. These breaches, hitherto exploited for nefarious activities including infiltration and smuggling, have undergone stringent measures. The Government’s focus is on the comprehensive closure of every aperture in the sprawling 2,290-kilometre India-Pakistan International Border and the extensive 4,096-kilometre India-Bangladesh border. A mere 60 km of remaining work stands as the final frontier in achieving this ambitious goal.
The reinvigorated emphasis on self-reliance concerning equipment and ammunition has yielded remarkable results. State-of-the-art weaponry is being conceptualised and manufactured with a meticulous focus on local requisites, tailored to the exigencies of the specific terrains in which they are deployed. Every nuance of the BSF’s operational needs is scrupulously addressed, with an unwavering commitment to meticulous details. Initiatives such as the establishment of forward helipads and the procurement of cutting-edge helicopters for logistical support exemplify the comprehensive endeavours undertaken to fortify the impregnability of the borders. Adversaries across the border constantly alter their strategies, necessitating the BSF to dynamically respond to emerging challenges. This strategic approach has significantly augmented the effectiveness of the BSF’s anti-infiltration network.
Infrastructure development, particularly border roads, has received heightened attention, enhancing connectivity and facilitating swift information flow regarding potential infiltrations. A systematic approach has been adopted to make infiltration increasingly arduous for would-be intruders. Through concerted efforts, tranquilly has descended upon the borders, allowing farmers to till their fields after decades of strife. While the Government acknowledges certain shortcomings, diligent efforts are underway to overcome these challenges. Over the past decade, significant advancements have transpired, with due credit attributed to the present administration for its unwavering support of the BSF. The valour of the BSF, coupled with the fusion of cutting-edge technology, has rendered the borders impregnable. The BSF undeniably stands as an exemplar in safeguarding the nation, and the nation takes pride in its commendable achievements.