Rajnath reviews BSF functioning, expresses concern over infiltration from across IB, LoC

Reviewing the functioning of the Border Security Force, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the BSF to set up a real time intelligence sharing grid and seal all vulnerable points along the Indo-Pak border to effectively check infiltration bids.

Directing the BSF to discuss and expedite pending issues related to infrastructure development, welfare of troops and various other issues concerning the border management at the meeting that was attended by top officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the BSF, which guards Indo-Pak and Indo- Bangladesh borders, the Home Minister expressed concern over infiltration from across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) and "gaps and lapses" in border guarding.

Singh directed the relevant agencies and departments to expedite the action for approval of all pending issues.

The Home Minister is believed to have conveyed to the BSF that they have to perform despite difficulties and must ensure zero infiltration.

Referring to the Indo-Bangladesh border, the Home Minister asked the BSF to ensure that smuggling of cattle and narcotics are stopped and advised better coordination with state police forces. India shares a 4,096 km-long border with Bangladesh.

BSF Director General (DG) K.K. Sharma informed Singh that the recommendation of the Committee of Chiefs of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for grant of risk and hardship allowance to the BSF personnel had been finalised and would be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) shortly.

To facilitate movement of CAPF personnel, the MHA has given a clearance for attachment of extra coaches in four major trains for CAPF personnel connecting north-south and east-west India.

Issues of upgradation of existing Border Out Posts (BOPs) on par with composite BOPs, construction of advance Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRPs) shelters on high altitude, forward defended localities on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, acquisition of land for newly-sanctioned battalions at old norms were also discussed at the meeting.

Issue of evolving BSF Air Wing as a self-regulatory establishment on the lines of Coast Guard has been flagged for discussion, while comments in this regard have been invited from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Defence and Coast Guard separately.

The important issue of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management Solutions (CIBMS) using modern and latest technology was also discussed. The Home Minister emphasised the need to use greater technology to assist the brave and vigilant soldiers of BSF.

The BSF DG assured the Home Minister and MHA officials that the pilot project for CIBMS would be implemented expeditiously.