Amid the ongoing anti-terror operation in Kathua, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that the Border Security Force (BSF) has played a crucial role alongside the Army in every war with Pakistan.
Shah interacted with BSF personnel deployed there. He was accompanied by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and Director-General of the Border Security Force, and other dignitaries.
Pertinently, security forces are carrying out a massive anti-terror operation in Kathua. In the recent skirmishes in the area, two Pakistani terrorists were killed, while four J&K policemen also laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Addressing the BSF soldiers at ‘Vinay’ border outpost in Kathua, Shah, according to the news agency said, “Entire country knows that the BSF is our first line of defense. In every war with Pakistan, the BSF has played a crucial role alongside the army.”
The Home Minister said that the technical support provided to the BSF over the next 3-4 years will be used to complete border security measures along the India-Pakistan border and later on at the India-Bangladesh border as well. “This will include technologies such as advance threat detection and immediate response capabilities,” he added.
Shah praised BSF’s relentless dedication, enduring extreme weather conditions, and remaining alert 24/7. “The government is committed to enhancing border security with advanced technologies, offering unwavering support to the BSF’s mission,” he said.
“Here, one can truly understand the challenging conditions under which you (BSF) ensure the security of the nation’s borders. Whether in intense cold, heavy rain, or 45-degree heat, not a single moment allows you to relax. You have to remain stationed 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, in all types of weather and terrain, staying vigilant so that no adversary can make a move,” the Home Minister said.
He maintained that the support from the Indian Government for the BSF has always been a top priority. “Whatever plans are provided to us; we are always ready to implement them. Currently, 26 experiments are underway, and within the next year, we will definitely reach a decision that will provide many benefits to you,” he added.
The Union Home Minister said that government led by PM Modi is working to reduce the difficulties faced by soldiers in the discharge of their duties and will continue to do so.
He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government is fully committed to the welfare of security forces and their families. “The Government of India has launched several welfare schemes for security forces, including Ayushman CAPF, ex-gratia payments, accidental death insurance coverage under the CAPF salary package scheme, the Unified Pension Scheme, the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), and E-Housing,” he added.
Earlier the Home Minister paid tributes to the BSF Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the Border Security Force, who made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty at the international border in Kathua district in 2019. Earlier, in 2021, the Home Minister had also visited the Makwal Border Post along the Jammu frontier.
During his visit Shah inaugurated newly built facilities at the border, including 8 women barracks, high-mast lights, a G+1 tower, and a composite BOP, all constructed at a cost of Rs 47.22 crore. These initiatives have strengthened the security arrangements during the Border Security Force personnel's duties and have also improved their living conditions.(KNO)