Jodhpur, Dec 8 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the government will soon establish comprehensive anti-drone units at the borders to further strengthen the security of the nation’s borders.
Addressing at the 60th Raising Day Parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) here, Shah stated that the problem of drones is set to become more significant in the coming days.
He mentioned that, recognizing this challenge, a laser-equipped anti-drone gun mount system has been developed through a 'Whole of Government Approach' involving all border security forces guarding the nation’s borders, the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and various research departments of the Government of India.
He noted that 55 percent of drone intrusions along the international border with Punjab have been intercepted and neutralized, a significant improvement from around three percent earlier, an official statement said.
Shah expressed confidence that within a few years, a comprehensive anti-drone unit will be established to protect the country from threats posed by drones.
He said that over six decades, the BSF has strengthened the nation’s first line of defence through courage, valour, and sacrifice. BSF has faced all challenges at the borders and empowered the country’s first line of security.
The Home Minister highlighted that since December 8, 1965, the BSF has maintained an outstanding record of securing the nation’s eastern and western borders. Adding that 1992 BSF personnel have sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security, for which the people of the country will always remain indebted.
Shah said that for six decades, the BSF has ensured the nation’s robust security. He stated that meeting the country’s growing security needs would be impossible without the BSF, which has grown from 25 battalions at the time of its inception to 193 battalions today.
He said that with 2.7 lakh personnel, the BSF is the world’s largest border guarding force.
He noted that even in 2024, the BSF has maintained its record of combating counterfeit currency, narcotics, infiltration, and left-wing extremism through various operations.
The Home Minister said that fencing has been completed along 591 km of the border with Bangladesh. Floodlights have been installed along 1,159 km of the border, and 573 border outposts, along with 579 observation posts, have been constructed. Additionally, 685 locations have been provided with electricity connections, 575 places with water connections, and 570 solar plants have been installed to ensure power supply.
He emphasized that the government has undertaken the construction of border roads across approximately 1,812 km of difficult terrain, enhancing connectivity to villages in these areas.
He said that the BSF has established the country’s first National Coastal Police Academy in Okha, which trains state police and border guarding forces deployed to secure maritime boundaries. Additionally, a Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) for monitoring sensitive areas along the international border has been introduced .
He mentioned that the CIBMS has been implemented as a pilot project in Dhubri, and the initial results have been very encouraging. After some improvements, this system will be applied across the entire borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He also highlighted that efforts have been made to strengthen border fencing, construct roads on the Indian side of the border, and undertake several other infrastructure projects.
"Our soldiers spend the golden years of their lives away from their families and children, enduring extremely challenging conditions. The entire nation admires and respects their sacrifice, dedication, and patriotism. I acknowledged that in all weather and circumstances, the soldiers of our forces have performed their duties with excellence," Shah said.
He emphasized that these soldiers stand as the nation's first line of defence, ensuring the country's security while combating natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and left-wing extremism to protect citizens.
Present on the occassion were Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary, and other dignitaries.
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