Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the border outpost ‘Vinay’ with BSF soldiers, in Kathua on April 7, 2025
| Photo Credit: ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday (April 7, 2025) said that two models of an electronic surveillance system capable of detecting infiltrators and tunnels are being tested along the Jammu border. The technology is likely to be deployed along the entire border with Pakistan in the next four years, he said during an interaction with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Jammu’s Kathua. The Minister said terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is curbed but not “completely eliminated.”
Mr. Shah visited BSF outpost Vinay in Jammu’s Kathua, around 30 km from the forest area where a group of freshly infiltrated unidentified terrorists killed four policemen on March 27. Two of the terrorists were killed in the encounter while at least three are absconding as search operation continues. Since 2021, more than 30 terrorist-related incidents have been reported from the Jammu region.
Mr. Shah met the families of policemen killed by terrorists and handed over appointment letters to nine nominees on compassionate grounds.
“After the installation of the technology, soldiers will find it much easier to receive information and respond immediately to any actions by the enemy. Several experiments have been conducted to identify infiltration and to detect and destroy tunnels, using technology. Soon the security forces deployed on the Pakistan and Bangladesh border will be fully equipped with technical assistance. The Modi government has no shortage of budget in the three areas of ensuring minimal casualties, reducing hardships through facilities, and supporting vigilance with technology. Over 26 initiatives related to technology are currently being tested, including anti-drone technology, tunnel identification technology, and electronic surveillance. Some results from these tests could be achieved by next March,” the Minister said.
He inaugurated newly built facilities at the border, including eight women barracks, high-mast lights, an observation tower and a composite border outpost with standard facilities such as accommodation, office space, recreation facilities, constructed at a cost of ₹47.22 crore.
During the interaction, Mr. Shah said that upon visiting the border, one realises the difficult conditions under which BSF personnel ensure the security of the country’s borders. He further noted that in every war with Pakistan, the contribution of BSF soldiers has been as significant as that of the Indian Army.
He urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to take positive steps for compassionate appointment of the 12-year-old son of Constable Jaswant Singh, who was killed on March 27, once the boy turned 18.
Mr. Shah also paid his respects to the family of Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager, APCO Construction Company who was killed on duty during a terrorist attack at the critical infrastructure project of Sonamarg Tunnel on October 20, 2024.
Mr. Shah is on a three-day visit to the Union Territory, first time after the formation of the government in the erstwhile State. He visited the Jammu residence of Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the J&K Assembly.
On Tuesday, he is expected to review security, and infrastructure and development-related projects in Srinagar.
Published – April 07, 2025 10:01 pm IST