During 2023, BSF safeguarding 553 km of Indo-Pak border, downs 107 drones, seizes 442 kg heroin, apprehends 23 Pak Nationals

ACHIEVEMENTS OF BSF PUNJAB FRONTIER – 2023

During 2023, BSF safeguarding 553 km of Indo-Pak border, downs 107 drones, seizes 442 kg heroin, apprehends 23 Pak Nationals

HARISH MONGA

Ferozepur, December 31, 2023:  Border Security Force, Punjab Frontier is responsible for safeguarding the 553 Km long varied, tough and challenging Indo-Pakistan International Border of Punjab. Braving innumerable challenges including inclement weather conditions and a spate of smuggling, valiant and ever-watchful BSF Jawans are guarding the borders round the clock with unflinching dedication.

During the year 2023, BSF troops of the Punjab Frontier have shown an extremely high level of alertness, professional acumen and vigil. Resultantly, BSF has successfully detected and downed 107 Drones and seized 442.395 Kgs of Heroin, 23 Weapons, and 505 Rounds of ammunition, killed 3 Pakistan intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistan Nationals including 2 smugglers, 14 Bangladeshi Nationals and 95 Indian suspects including 35 smugglers, in different incidents. While being watchful, BSF troops have also displayed a humanitarian approach. BSF has handed over 12 Pak Nationals to Pakistan Rangers, who had inadvertently crossed the IB.

BSF is also committed to working together with sister agencies and has organised 99 security meetings with sister agencies including 05 security coordination meetings with the Punjab Police in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Chandigarh and 66 security coordination meetings with the Indian Army at Jalandhar. 4. Apart from the above, during the unprecedented flood situation in the bordering districts of Punjab i.e. Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, BSF conducted various rescue and relief operations and evacuated more than 10,000 villagers and families living on the border in the flood-prone areas of Ravi & Sutlej Rivers and rescued them to safer areas. The Punjab Govt appreciated this initiative. and the people of border villages.

The Border Security Force (BSF), as a border guarding force, not only oversees the populace in bordering areas but ensures their well-being through various Civic Action Programs. These programs encompass Free Medical Camps, Skill Development Training, organising coaching of CAPF / Army recruitment, Sports Tournaments and Cultural Activities. Additionally, the BSF makes concerted efforts to assist the needy residents in the bordering areas.

To create awareness against the menace of drugs amongst the youths and local populace of bordering areas, cycle rallies, awareness campaigns and walkathons have been organized by BSF with active participation of local youths, which has been appreciated by people from all walks of society.

In the true spirit of “JAI JAWAN JAI KISSAN” to assist the border framers and for speedy disposal of their problems, meetings with the farmers are being held by respective Company Commanders, Commandants and DIGs and during these their problems are solved on the spot.

In the current year, the BSF commemorated several events, including International Yoga Day, Environment Day, Meri Mati Mera Desh Champaign, National Sports Day and National Unity Day. Furthermore, awareness drives like “Ek Tareekh Ek Ghanta – Swachhata Abiyaan” and Vigilance Awareness Week were conducted at Frontier HQ Jalandhar and across all command Sectors and Units, extending up to Border Outposts (BOPs). A Pension Adalat for the redressal of pension-related grievances for BSF pensioners and a Rozgar Mela was also organized at Frontier HQ Jalandhar.

A significant milestone was achieved with the inauguration of the tallest flagpole (418 ft) in the Indian sub-continent at ICP Attari, by Honorable Union Minister, Sh Nitin Gadkari (Road Transport). Alongside these accomplishments, initiatives were undertaken to enhance basic infrastructure at the grassroots level, providing maximum facilities to Jawans in the Punjab Frontier. Furthermore, Family Welfare Centers, functional in each unit and HQ, cater to the welfare of Jawans and their families by offering various civil and vocational courses.

The BSF, Punjab Frontier, demonstrates unwavering devotion and dedication to safeguarding the International Borders of Punjab. The force remains committed to ensuring the security of the border with Pakistan through active communication and coordination with all stakeholders.