BSF to deploy five additional battalions at Attari border, says DG

The Border Security Force (BSF) will soon be deploying additional five battalions at the Attari-Wagha border.

Informing this to reporters after the high-voltage Beating Retreat function here, BSF Director General (DG) K.K. Sharma said, "In the past few days, BSF has shot dead eight smugglers, including six Pakistani and two Indians. Besides, we have seized heroin in huge amount, which is record in itself. With an aim to intensify our effort, we have decided to induct five more battalions, who will be posted soon, along with that, we are also installing our technical equipment in big number and improving intelligence services as well."

"BSF is a modern border guarding force laced with modern equipment, but we upgrade our equipment on regular basis. In coming time, we will be using highly advance equipment. This is a constant process," said the BSF DG.

"It is the result of effort made by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that we got permission to deploy five more battalions and being provided new equipment," he added.

When asked that sweets were being exchanged at the time when the Pakistani soldiers had breached the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Sharma said, "We should not connect that incident with this drill. Today, you saw that we offered sweets amid very friendly environment and they accepted it. Kashmir incident is at its own place."

Meanwhile, he lauded the performance given by schoolchildren from nearby areas, saying they braved heat, but their enthusiasm was infectious. "The 70th Independence Day was celebrated here with enthusiasm and schoolchildren from nearby areas presented a glittering cultural programme. Their performance was full of national fervour. It was nice to see them performing."

On the occasion of Independence Day, the BSF gifted a box of traditional Indian sweets to the Pakistani Rangers at Attari-Wagah border.

At the time of handing over of sweets to Pakistani Rangers, both forces were looking relaxed; they hugged and shook hands with each other, besides sharing pleasantries for a few minutes.

On Sunday, the Pakistani Rangers had offered traditional Pakistani sweets to their Indian counterparts on the occasion of Pakistan's Independence Day.