BSF withstood the challenges posed by Pakistan on borders and COVID-19 in hinterland in 2020

Jammu, December 1: The year 2020 has been very eventful operationally as well as due to the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. However, BSF Jammu has stood the test of time on both operational and pandemic counts.

Apart from dominating the volatile and active border in Jammu region, the BSF troops diligently handled the Covid-19 pandemic. BSF Commanders at all levels from Kathua to Poonch were successful in combating both the fronts successfully. Various new threats from Pakistan were faced by the BSF troops. Drone activity by Pakistan elements from across the border presented a big challenge to border domination by BSF in Jammu region.

Due to utmost alertness and pro-active approach of the BSF, a Pakistani Hexa- copter, which was carrying arms and amns was shot down in distt Kathua near zero line on 20th June’ 2020. It was first of its kind operational achievement in India where a drone carrying a payload of arm/ amns was shot down by BSF troops and averted a major terrorist action by Pakistani elements. Alert BSF troops also foiled the nefarious intentions of Pakistan drug smugglers when it seized 62 Kgs (valued of 300 crore) of  heroin along with arms and amns on 20 Sep 2020. This drug haul by BSF was one of the biggest seizure in Jammu border by any agency.

BSF troops also detected two tunnels dug by Pakistan in Samba area on August 28and November 22 respectively. These tunnels were meant to be used by Pakistan to infiltrate terrorists. BSF also made a huge recovery of arms and ammunition in September from Poonch area along with other security agencies.

The robust border domination also saw foiling of two infiltration attempts within a fortnight in Samba,  wherein during the intervening night of Sepmber 14-15 and 26-27. Two different groups of 4/5 Pakistani terrorists who were trying to enter Indian territory were engaged by alert BSF troops, forcing them to make a hasty retreat to Pakistan territory.

Apart from above, BSF also shot down a Pak intruder on November 23 and apprehended 11 persons moving in suspicious circumstances in the border area during the last eleven months while dominating the Border. The BSF in the Jammu region ensured foolproof safety and security of public living in border area and extended all possible help to them.