Amid increased security in the Union territory ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next week, the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted a joint search in the Samba district on Saturday for any potential cross-border tunnel along the International Border, according to officials, as reported by PTI.
Over the past decades, security forces have uncovered approximately a dozen cross-border tunnels used for smuggling terrorists, weapons, and narcotics from across the border. These tunnels have been discovered along the International Border with Pakistan in Samba, Kathua, and Jammu districts. Recently, the police announced a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh for information leading to the location of such tunnels utilised by "anti-national elements."
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Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Jammu on February 20 to inaugurate and lay the foundation of 209 projects worth Rs 3,161 crore. Additionally, he will address a public gathering at the Maulana Azad Stadium in central Jammu.
As part of the intensified security measures ahead of Modi's visit, BSF and police personnel conducted a two-hour anti-tunneling operation in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. Around 9.45 am, the operation began, and according to search teams, nothing unusual was discovered on the ground.
BSF Troops Stationed Along Border Area
The officials stated that BSF troops stationed along the International Border and police personnel manning the border posts have been placed on maximum alert, particularly following a recent ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers. They have been instructed to maintain vigilant surveillance against any suspicious activity originating from across the border, as per PTI's report.
In addition to bolstering security in border areas along the International Border, measures have been enhanced along the Line of Control (LoC) and in the hinterland to thwart potential terrorist attacks. Security forces have intensified patrolling, area domination, and scrutiny in sensitive zones to uphold tranquility.
On Wednesday evening, Pakistan Rangers breached the ceasefire by targeting a BSF post at Makwal along the International Border in the R S Pura sector. In response, Indian border guards retaliated, engaging in cross-border firing for approximately 25 minutes. The BSF subsequently lodged a formal complaint with their Pakistani counterparts regarding the unprovoked aggression.
In the previous six days, Pakistani drones were fired upon three times by army personnel stationed to guard the LoC.