Security Forces Ramp Up Border Patrolling Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
In preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra, security forces have intensified anti-tunnelling operations along the International Border (IB) to thwart infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Border Security Force (BSF), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, is conducting search operations in areas near the IB in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts, where underground tunnels have been discovered in the past.
According to a BSF official, while anti-tunnelling drives are conducted regularly, they gain heightened significance ahead of the Amarnath pilgrimage, as terror groups based in Pakistan may attempt to infiltrate militants into Indian territory. The pilgrimage is scheduled to start on July 3, drawing lakhs of devotees from Jammu to the holy cave shrine in Kashmir.
Joint Patrols and Area Domination Exercises
As part of enhanced security measures, police, BSF, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel conducted a joint long-range patrol in the Arnia sector along the IB on Friday. The patrol covered areas from Rathana to Salehar, Chak Jagtoo, and adjoining regions. An official stated that the objective was to maintain close surveillance over the border region, prevent anti-social activities, and ensure a visible security presence.
Similar patrols were executed in RS Pura, Bishnah, and Miran Sahib, where police carried out area domination exercises. The operations encompassed sensitive locations, border villages, crowded public places, market areas, bus stands, and other strategic points. Security personnel conducted intensive patrolling, vehicle checks, verification of suspicious individuals, and enhanced surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Intelligence Gathering and Coordination
An official statement highlighted that the area domination exercises also focused on gathering ground-level intelligence, identifying potential security concerns, and ensuring effective coordination among various security agencies deployed in the region. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, Shridhar Patil, chaired a briefing of all security personnel assigned to yatra duties.
During the briefing, Patil emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, seamless coordination among all agencies, and ensuring the safety of pilgrims throughout the yatra. Special emphasis was placed on strengthening the security grid, ensuring a prompt response to any contingency, and maintaining close coordination among all forces deployed on the ground.
Background of Anti-Tunnelling Operations
Trained terrorists have previously used underground tunnels, allegedly constructed with the support of the Pakistani Army, to infiltrate into India. The BSF and police have detected and neutralized several such tunnels in the past. The intensified operations aim to prevent any such infiltration attempts that could pose a threat during the pilgrimage.
Security forces have also launched intensified operations in border areas to identify suspicious individuals who could pose a threat during the yatra. The administration and security agencies have completed extensive preparations for the pilgrimage, which is expected to see a large influx of devotees.
