Kamal Ghorui
JAMMU: Border-related challenges had changed significantly over the past 60 years, and therefore advanced technological solutions must be adopted to effectively address them, Union home minister Amit Shah said Friday as he visited the Gurnam and Bobiyan outposts located along the India-Pakistan International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.Later in the evening, Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu at Lok Bhavan, which was attended by LG Manoj Sinha, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Union home secretary, IB director, J&K chief secretary and DGP, heads of CAPFs and other senior officers.At the meeting, while the home minister appreciated the efforts of the security agencies in dismantling the terror ecosystem, he directed them to remain alert and continue work in a coordinated mode to ensure that the gains made in recent times are sustained and the goal of a ‘terror free J&K’ is achieved at the earliest. He assured that all the resources would be made available by the govt to achieve this.Shah said the terror eco-system nurtured by elements inimical to the country in J&K had been almost crippled due to the concerted efforts of the Narendra Modi govt. Efforts for de-radicalisation had seen major success, he said, and instructed for taking more initiatives for youth engagement. Innovative measures to further reinforce the watertight security cordon were also discussed in the meeting.This was the second security review meeting chaired by the Union home minister within a month. On Jan 8, he had chaired a high-level review meeting in Delhi on J&K’s security situation.Earlier in the day, the home minister, addressing BSF personnel at the border posts in the sensitive Hiranagar sector, said while courage, alertness and dedication of personnel remained crucial, many emerging challenges were now technology-driven. “The govt will invest substantial funds to modernise the entire border security system based on technology. This modernisation will provide improved border infrastructure and advanced equipment for BSF personnel, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively,” he said.Lauding the border guarding troops, Shah said whenever the country’s borders had faced threats of intrusion or infiltration, BSF had stood like an impregnable wall, resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the nation. “The bravery and valour displayed by BSF during Operation Sindoor have added a golden chapter to its six-decade-long history,” he added.The home minister commended the sacrifices of BSF sub-inspector Mohammed Imteyaz and constable Deepak Chingakham in Pakistani firing during Operation Sindoor.Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Govt of India was fully committed to the welfare of security personnel, the minister said, and announced that a special welfare scheme for BSF personnel will be introduced soon. He also appreciated the significant contribution of BSF women personnel towards border security. He later had lunch with the soldiers.
