The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday took into custody a young man from Bangladesh near the sensitive International Border in Jammu and Kashmir. This incident comes as the force gears up for its crucial annual winter security drill, Operation Sard Hawa (Cold Wind), aimed at thwarting infiltration attempts during the harsh winter months.
Details of the Border Apprehension
The individual has been identified as Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, a 19-year-old from Adra village in Bangladesh's Comilla district. He is the son of Mozibul Haque Bhuiyan. The apprehension took place in the Gajansoo area of Jammu and Kashmir. Following initial questioning by the BSF, he was transferred to the Border Police Post (BPP) in Gajansoo, which operates under the Kanachak Police Station. Further interrogation is currently in progress at the police station.
Launch of Operation Sard Hawa
Simultaneously, the BSF is preparing to roll out its extensive winter security exercise, Operation Sard Hawa. This operation is strategically timed for the winter season when dense fog and reduced visibility along the frontier are exploited by infiltrators and smugglers. The exercise will cover sensitive stretches of the Kashmir frontier, key security posts in Jammu, and the vast desert areas of Rajasthan along the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control (LoC).
BSF officials indicated that the operation is scheduled to commence next month and will continue until the end of January. This period is considered especially critical due to the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. A BSF official stationed in Jammu, speaking anonymously, stated that the primary objective is to counter infiltration bids that leverage the foggy winter conditions. The official emphasized that heightened security measures, increased vigilance, and intensified patrolling are the hallmarks of this annual drill.
Scope and Methodology of the Winter Drill
Operation Sard Hawa is a yearly undertaking along the India-Pakistan frontier in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan. It encompasses difficult terrain in the Kashmir sector, vital border posts in Jammu, and parts of the Thar Desert, including vulnerable sections of the International Boundary and the LoC.
During the operation, the BSF significantly ramps up its surveillance capabilities. This involves deploying additional personnel and utilizing advanced technological equipment like thermal imaging systems to detect any movement across the border. The winter exercise complements the summer counter-infiltration campaign, known as Operation Garam Hawa (Hot Wind), ensuring a year-round robust security posture.
The dual developments—the immediate border apprehension and the launch of the proactive winter operation—underscore the continuous and adaptive challenges faced by security forces in safeguarding the nation's frontiers.
