‘Strong coordination essential for securing borders; anti-drone systems within 6 months’
Srinagar, May 26: Praising Border Security Force (BSF) for playing a key role in ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the force gave a befitting reply to Pakistan and ensured safety of the people living in frontier areas.
Addressing BSF personnel at the Sanchu Border Outpost along the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district, Shah, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “I want to appreciate the BSF personnel for the role they played during Operation Sindoor. Wherever the force was deployed, it stood firm and gave a befitting response whenever required. Along with guarding the border, the BSF also ensured that the morale of people living in border districts remained high.”
Shah said the Sanchu border post occupies an important place in India’s military history and recalled its role during past conflicts with Pakistan.
“This outpost is written in golden letters in the history of India’s wars. It is a matter of pride for me to stand here and interact with BSF personnel,” he said.
‘Operation Sindoor’ was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack and targeted infrastructure linked to terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. During the operation, Indian forces carried out strikes on nine locations, including sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Home Minister said the Centre was taking steps to strengthen border security against emerging threats, particularly the smuggling of narcotics and weapons through drones.
He said anti-drone systems would be installed within the next six months to counter such activities.
“It is our responsibility to remain alert against smuggling attempts through drones and other modern equipment. The government is working on installing anti-drone systems within six months,” Shah said.
He, however, stressed that technological measures alone would not be sufficient and called for coordination among security forces, local administration and citizens.
Shah said a “four-point security grid” involving the BSF, armed forces, civil administration and border residents was necessary for effective border management.
“Unless there is coordination among security forces, local administration and citizens, the objective of a fully secure border cannot be achieved,” he said.
The Minister said meetings were being held with border states, including Gujarat, Bihar, Tripura and West Bengal, to improve coordination and strengthen security arrangements.
Referring to internal threats, Shah said authorities must also identify people inside the country who assist cross-border smuggling and infiltration attempts.
He said strict legal action should be taken against those involved in aiding anti-national activities.
Shah paid tribute to more than 2,000 BSF personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the force was raised.
He said BSF personnel have served in deserts, forests and snow-bound areas under difficult conditions while safeguarding the country’s borders.
“The nation is proud of the sacrifice and dedication shown by BSF personnel,” he said.
Shah also inaugurated women’s barracks at the border outpost and said infrastructure for women personnel in the force would continue to be expanded in the coming years. (KNO)
