Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a visit to a forward
post of BSF along the India-Pakistan border, in Kathua district, Jammu &
Kashmir, Monday, April 7, 2025. (PTI Photo)
JAMMU — Union Home Minister Amit Shah
on Monday said the government is deploying an electronic surveillance system to
safeguard the country’s borders and that technology will be used to detect and
dismantle underground cross-border tunnels to thwart infiltration by terrorists
into Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing BSF personnel during a visit to Border Outpost
‘Vinay’ near the International Border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua
district, Shah said more than 26 technology-related initiatives are currently
being tested which also include anti-drone technology.
The minister, who interacted with BSF personnel, lauded
the contribution of the force and praised the troops for performing their
duties in challenging circumstances. He asserted that the central government is
fully committed to the welfare of security forces and their families.
Jammu and Kashmir'Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister
Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence
Bureau and Director-General of the Border Security Force along with several
other dignitaries were present.
“Two models of electronic surveillance systems have been
developed for deployment on the border. After their installation across the
entire border, soldiers will find it much easier to receive information and
respond immediately to any actions by the enemy, using technology,” the home
minister said.
Shah said that several tests have been conducted to
detect infiltration and identify tunnels using technology.
In a few years, the Home Minister said, the security
forces deployed on the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders will
be fully equipped with technical assistance.
“The sacrifice, bravery, valour and courage of our
soldiers form the shield that protects India against enemies from across the
border, and this is why the people of the country hold deep respect for the
BSF,” he said.
Shah said over 26 initiatives related to technology are
currently being tested, including anti-drone technology, tunnel identification
technology and electronic surveillance, as he expressed confidence that the
results would be achieved by next March, which would make it easier for the
soldiers to fulfil their duties.
During his visit, the Home Minister paid tribute to BSF
Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on
duty at the international border in Kathua district in 2019.
Earlier, in 2021, Shah had also visited the Makwal Border
Post along the Jammu frontier.
He also inspected the forward border post and inaugurated
newly built facilities at the border, including eight women's barracks,
high-mast lights, a G+1 tower and a composite BOP, all constructed at a cost of
Rs 47.22 crore.
These initiatives have strengthened the security
arrangements during the Border Security Force personnel's duties and have also
improved their living conditions.
During his interaction with the soldiers, Shah said that
after visiting this place one realises the difficult conditions under which the
BSF personnel ensure the security of the country's borders.
He said that "despite extreme cold, heavy rainfall
or temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, and regardless of the geographical
or climatic challenges, our soldiers remain vigilant and dedicated to securing
the borders with preparedness and alertness".
“The BSF has a glorious history when it comes to the country's
security,” he said, adding that the entire nation knows that the BSF is the
first line of defence and it has always fulfilled this responsibility
exceptionally well.
He noted that in every war with Pakistan, the
contribution of our BSF soldiers has been as significant as that of the Indian
Army.
“The Modi government is working to reduce the
difficulties faced by soldiers in the discharge of their duties and will
continue to do so,” he said.
Shah emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, the central government is fully committed to the welfare of
security forces and their families.
The Centre has launched several welfare schemes for
security forces, including Ayushman CAPF, ex-gratia payments, accidental death
insurance coverage under the CAPF salary package scheme, the Unified Pension
Scheme, the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) and E-Housing, he said.