Post-Pathankot, BSF tries to plug border gaps | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Post-Pathankot, BSF tries to plug border gaps

Hindustan Times | ByVinay Dhingra, Pathankot
Jan 10, 2016 10:20 PM IST

The Border Security Force has increased surveillance in the Bamiyal sector along the Pakistan border in Punjab, believed to be a transit point for smugglers, drug traffickers and terrorists because of stretches of “gaping holes” in the heavily-guarded boundary.

The Border Security Force has increased surveillance in the Bamiyal sector along the Pakistan border in Punjab, believed to be a transit point for smugglers, drug traffickers and terrorists because of stretches of “gaping holes” in the heavily-guarded boundary.

Pakistan-based terrorists reportedly sneaked through this porous border to lay siege on the Pathankot air base recently, as did their comrades to attack Dinanagar police station some months ago.(AP)
Pakistan-based terrorists reportedly sneaked through this porous border to lay siege on the Pathankot air base recently, as did their comrades to attack Dinanagar police station some months ago.(AP)

Pakistan-based terrorists reportedly sneaked through this porous border to lay siege on the Pathankot air base recently, as did their comrades to attack Dinanagar police station some months ago.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The BSF came under severe criticism for the “gaps” in the border fence.

The complex geography and topography of the area — compounded by a fast-running Ravi river and swampland of tall grasses on its banks — make it difficult to build a continuous fence of barbed wires along the border.

About 750 metres of land were without a fence at many points because of the river terrain.

The BSF spokesperson said senior officers were camping at the frontier village of Bamiyal since the Pathankot terror attack and overseeing work to strengthen outposts and the surveillance system.

BSF special director-general MK Singla was reportedly visiting areas where the border has remained porous. He was said to be leading a team of BSF officers to fortify vulnerable points with modern equipment.

To plug the gaps, the paramilitary force has installed high-beam lights and other equipment to detect movements.

The spokesperson said the BSF has added at least six more companies and a process was initiated to deploy 800 more personnel to guard the area. “We have placed more barbed wires, modern surveillance equipment and more boats to tackle the fast current of the Ravi,” he said.

Additional check points, border posts and men on duty would help stop “infiltration” from Pakistan through Bamiyal, barely 30km from Pathankot, the BSF officer said.

Unveiling 'Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Bihar Board 12th Result Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On