JAMMU: Senior officials from the BSF and police forces of Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab convened a high-level meeting in Kathua district to assess the situation along the International Border with Pakistan and enhance the Anti-Infiltration Grid.
Kathua, positioned between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, borders Pakistan, a region that has recently reported terrorist infiltrations. Additionally, there have been reports of terrorist movements in the Pathankot area of Punjab, which borders Kathua.
During the meeting, BSF and police officials from both regions discussed methods to share real-time intelligence and reinforce the anti-infiltration grid along the International Border. It is suspected that the terrorists involved in the recent ambush of an Army patrol may have infiltrated through the International Border into Kathua and Samba districts in Jammu or Pathankot in Punjab.
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The meeting reviewed the Security Grid along the IB in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab and explored measures to address any vulnerabilities to prevent infiltration from Pakistan. The meeting, held at the District Police Lines in Kathua, was chaired by BSF Special Director General, Western Command, Y B Khurana, and attended by Director General of Police R R Swain and his Punjab counterpart Gaurav Yadav, among others.
Also in attendance were J-K Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Vijay Kumar, Punjab ADG (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, ADG (Jammu Zone) Anand Jain, Special DG, IS, R.N Dhoke, Special DGP, (Law and Order), Punjab, and IGPs BSF A.K Digambar, D.K Boora, DIGs Dr. Sunil Gupta, JSK Range, J&K Police, S.S. Maan, DIG Samba Kathua Range, BSF, Rakesh Kaushal, DIG Border Range Punjab, and other officers.
The issue of border smuggling, including narcotics, arms, and contraband, was a key topic of discussion. Officials reviewed recent seizures and intelligence reports, identifying crucial smuggling routes and techniques. Emphasis was placed on strengthening checkpoints, increasing frisking operations, and enhancing canine unit capabilities. The officers underscored the necessity of coordinated patrolling and deploying advanced technology, such as drones and night-vision devices, to monitor and secure the border effectively.
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Inter-agency cooperation and real-time information sharing were highlighted as essential for dismantling narcotics networks. Following presentations by DIG JSK Range, IG BSF Jammu, DIG BSF Gurdaspur, and SSP Pathankot, in-depth discussions were held to address key security concerns. Several strategic initiatives were proposed to strengthen the security framework along the border.
To improve coordination and synergy between the BSF and Police forces of Punjab and J&K, the meeting recommended regular joint training sessions and drills.
The meeting took place amid a surge in terror activities in the otherwise peaceful Jammu region, with terrorists executing five attacks within a month from June 9 to July 8.