India retaliates suitably to Pak's unprovoked firing: BSF Chief

Rajni Kant Misra, the chief of Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday stated that their policy is to give a befitting reply to Pakistan's unprovoked firing.

Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Misra said that in the past few months "the BSF personnel faced several misadventures from across the border but retaliated suitably during the incidents. The force had also surgically targeted the post of Pakistan resulting in losses."

Misra further stated that the 53 years of the BSF's journey is "a glorious saga" and assured that his forces will continue to protect the country's border with enthusiasm. The BSF chief, who took charge in September, also said that BSF jawans have been provided with all technological advancement and modern weaponry.

He also touched upon the issue of cross-border smuggling and claimed that BSF has caught as many as 58,000 people red-handed in the past few months. "We are quite successful in curbing the menace of smuggling in India. Our forces have caught 58,000 people doing the smuggling. In the process, around 49 BSF men sustained injuries because some of the culprits possessed sharp objects and weapons," Misra said.

When asked if the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor will pose security problems for India and result in the surge of Khalistani infiltration, Misra stated that the issue will be handled just the way it is being done presently at the Attari-Wagha border in Punjab.

"It will not be difficult for us to maintain peace and security at the Kartarpur Corridor. We are guarding Attari-Wagha border now, so in the same manner we will ensure security at this corridor," he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday had said that the Kartarpur corridor issue should be seen in isolation and should not be linked with anything else. "All people say that give peace a chance for something to happen, but we must see what our government has said today that this is to be seen in isolation. The opening of Kartarpur corridor should be seen in isolation and not linked with anything else," said General Rawat.

Talking about the murder and mutilation of a BSF jawan along the International Border by Pakistan in September this year, Misra said the analysis is being done to combat such incidents.

"BAT attack on our party along the international border was a serious and an unfortunate incident. I am conducting a scientific conduct the scientific analysis pertaining to snapping or BAT cases took place in the last five years and will soon come out with the suggestion report on the future course of action in order to combat it," he said.

However, he refused to clarify if India carried out any revenge attack on Pakistan.