BSF laid the foundation of counter-terrorism operations in J&K
Editor JK News Today
JK News Today’s Special Commentary
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spelled out various dimensions of BSF’s role in the border security underlining its mainstream duty to take care of the territorial responsibility. This has an all-time resonance for the internal and external security of the country , which is facing multiple threats from cyberworld to the land . Innovation and use of technology in fostering smart borders is need of the hour
The smart borders , combination of the border security with the territorial responsibility and the welfare of the CAPFs define a new vision . The Ministry of Home Affairs , under the leadership of Amit Shah , has envisioned smart borders , not just with a back up of technology but also deterring the subversives and infiltrators from venturing into the country . The challenge is vast, and it can be appreciated only by those who know the history of extraordinary performance of BSF amid most challenging situations and times . It carries on with its legacy till date.
Home Minister recognised all this and listed greater tasks , linked to the overall security of the country , in which BSF has been a key pivot While appreciating the role of BSF, the Home Minister made a specific reference to its presence and role in Kashmir. That was a clear appreciation of the Force’s contribution to the security of Jammu and Kashmir especially during the terror-riddled period of the territory .
Recognising the exceptional performance of BSF in Kashmir that Home Minister recorded its presence and role by connecting the dots with other challenging areas . He said : The Border Security Force remains steadfast in some of the country’s most challenging terrains, including the icy mountains of Siachen and Kashmir, difficult regions such as Kupwara, Keran, and Uri, the deserts of Rajasthan, the Rann of Kutch, the marshy creeks of Sir Creek, the dense forests of the Sundarbans, the difficult eastern borders of Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, and the sensitive riverine areas connected to the Brahmaputra. He said that this is why the BSF, which began in 1965 with only 25 battalions and limited resources, has today grown into the world’s largest border guarding force with strength of 2.70 lakh personnel.”
In Kashmir, BSF can also be credited with laying foundation of the counter-terrorism operations and breaking the bone of terror groups . In the recent times, the Indian response to the major acts of terror in Uri, Pulwama and Pahalgam has encouraged the mood and morale of the forces involved in counterterrorism operations. This has redefined the line of fighting terrorism which goes beyond the borders, which was neither thought nor attempted before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in office in May 2014.
Each and every word of the Home Minister spoken on Friday touched the sense of duty , professionalism and dedication of the BSF , especially what it has done in Jammu and Kashmir since 1990 . And, it would not be out of place to mention that it laid the foundation of counter-terrorism operations in the valley at a time when terrorists were having a free run of the region. It was the BSF that checked that and neutralized not only terrorists , but also drew lines on which the counter-insurgency operations were conducted.
There is a history to it. In 1990s, BSF was operating on borders with Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir and hinterland in the Valley . This was having one of the best intelligence networks in Kashmir . It was under the dynamic leadership of Inspector General Ashok Patel in the Valley that the Force donned several roles all at once .
Examples can be drawn from BSF’s role in J&K in transforming an all -inclusive role of territorial responsibility . In 1990s , BSF apprehended most of the Kashmiri militants returning from across the LoC , scaling snowy passes , and they were treated in the army hospital . A sense of humanity was infused , comnpar8ng to the attitude of Pakistan army that had pushed these youth into the most dangerous and treacherous terrains , to die.
The infiltrators did surrender on the call of BSF, but at the same time it was a sort of rescue mission as they were taken to BB base hospital for treatment . Most of them were suffering from frost bites. This is were made to surrender and survive by the BSF, and sometimes the number was as large as 100. This is the incident of December 1990 when Kashmir had witnessed very, very, heavy snowfall . These militants became ambassadors of peace as they started revealing evil plans of Pakistan . The BSF leadership of the times not only thought of curbing infiltration from across the LoC but also securing the hinterland from the subversives The dots were connected from the borders to the country side and urban centres .
These are the examples which fit into Home Minister’s point that the “ border security should no longer be viewed as an isolated responsibility but as a broader territorial responsibility.” I think this message needs to be carried forward . In fact , BSF in Jammu and Kashmir is living up to this call till date as it has built a robust rapport with the border population and is ever-vigilant in the hinterland . It must be performing the similar task elsewhere in the country wherever its jawans are deployed .
Today, Jammu and Kashmir has been transformed from highly volatile terror centre to a peaceful destination , BSF has played a key role in this . It has guarded the frontiers . It triumphed over militancy in the most difficult situations and terrain in the erstwhile Doda district – now comprising three districts Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban- and Rajouri and Poonch close to the LoC.
Now, with Home Minister announcing that the Government of India will go in for smart borders, wherein the BSF would be equipped with modern technology , radars, drones and other devices included, the Force will be better placed o counter the threat of infiltration and other subversive acts and don better role in in border security intrinsically linked to the internal security
