Electronic surveillance being deployed at border to tackle terrorist threat: Amit Shah
Days after an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Kathua, in which four policemen were killed, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that an electronic surveillance system is being deployed along the border with Pakistan to prevent the movement of terrorists through underground tunnels.
On the second day of his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister visited Vinay Post in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, where he interacted with commanders and BSF personnel.
While addressing the BSF personnel, Shah said, “Two models of electronic surveillance systems have been developed for deployment on the border. Once installed along the entire border, soldiers will be better equipped to receive intelligence and respond swiftly to enemy actions using advanced technology. Several experiments have been carried out to detect infiltration and to identify and destroy tunnels through the use of technology.”
He further stated that, in a few years, security forces deployed along the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders would be fully equipped with technological assistance. “The sacrifice, bravery, valour, and courage of our soldiers form India’s shield against enemies across the border. This is why the people of the country deeply respect the BSF,” Shah said.
“Currently, 26 technology-related experiments are being tested, including anti-drone systems, tunnel detection, and electronic surveillance,” he added. Shah expressed confidence that results from some of these trials would be achieved by next March, significantly aiding soldiers in their duties.
The latest infiltration from the border in Kathua saw a group of at least five Pakistani terrorists first spotted by locals in the Hiranagar sector on March 23, leading to a brief gunfight. The terrorists managed to escape and were later involved in another encounter in the Ghati Juthana area on March 27, in which two terrorists and four policemen were killed. The remaining terrorists engaged in another gunfight in the Panjtirthi area of the district on March 31 before fleeing the scene.
The Home Minister was accompanied by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and BSF Director General Daljit Singh Choudhary. Shah paid tribute to Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the BSF, who was martyred while on duty at the International Border in Kathua in 2019.
Shah also inaugurated newly built facilities at the border, including eight women’s barracks, high-mast lights, a tower, and a composite Border Out Post — all constructed at a cost of Rs 47.22 crore.
Praising the BSF’s commitment, Shah said, “Visiting this post highlights the difficult conditions under which BSF personnel operate to secure the country’s borders.” He added that despite harsh weather — extreme cold, heavy rainfall, or temperatures reaching 45°C — and challenging geography, the soldiers remain ever-vigilant and committed to their mission.
HM visits kin of martyred DSP in Srinagar
Srinagar: Amit Shah on Monday visited the family of Kirti Chakra awardee Deputy Superintendent of Police Humayun Muzammil Bhat, who laid down his life battling terrorists in 2023.
Shah went straight to Bhat’s house at Humhama after landing at Srinagar airport. The Home Minister spent nearly 20 minutes with the slain police officer’s father, retired IGP Ghulam Hassan Bhat, before heading to Raj Bhavan. He was accompanied by L-G Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah.
Bhat was among four security personnel who died in the line of duty while battling terrorists in the dense forests surrounding Gadool village of Kokernag in Anantnag district in September 2023. — OC
J & K
