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According to a senior BSF official, stretches of the border identified as tunnel-prone are being targeted, and through scientific methods, the force is attempting to detect cross-border tunnels
According to a BSF spokesperson, the force is also developing lateral and axial roads for better operational and administrative movement of troops. Representational image
In view of intelligence inputs indicating a high number of infiltration attempts, the Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a months-long, massive operation to rule out the possibility of tunnels aiding terrorists in entering Indian territory.
According to a senior BSF official, stretches of the border identified as tunnel-prone are being targeted, and through scientific methods, the force is attempting to detect cross-border tunnels.
In fact, along a 33-km stretch of the International Border (IB) with Pakistan, anti-tunnelling trenches have been dug in a 25-km area to eliminate the possibility of underground infiltration. This method was designed following intelligence inputs suggesting a high likelihood of infiltration this year.
According to a senior official, it has been more than six months since work began to eliminate the possibility of tunnels.
“The project started a couple of months before the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. The BSF identified stretches that are prone to tunnelling and finalised the most crucial 33-km stretch along Jammu, Samba, and Kathua. The work was prioritised as the area had previously seen instances of tunnels. Equipped with advanced machinery and technology, BSF personnel began digging anti-tunnelling trenches. These trenches are approximately 4 feet wide and 10 feet deep,” a senior official said.
In the next couple of months, the BSF will complete this task and begin digging in another area. Importantly, the last tunnel was detected in 2022.
India shares a 3,323 km land border with Pakistan, spanning Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Additionally, following the highest-ever recovery of 257 drones last year from the Indo-Pakistan border and in light of suspected increased infiltration attempts, the BSF has deployed anti-drone systems to counter illicit drone activity. Additional battalions in anti-infiltration roles have also been inducted to maintain robust control over the depth areas of the Jammu Frontier.
According to a BSF spokesperson, the force is also developing lateral and axial roads for better operational and administrative movement of troops.
A press statement detailing the initiatives taken by the BSF said: “A New Design Fence (NDF) is proposed for border security. CCTV/ PTZ and bullet cameras have been installed in vulnerable areas for improved surveillance. Two additional battalions in anti-infiltration roles have been inducted to maintain robust control over the depth areas of the Jammu Frontier.”