High-tech surveillance, intensified patrols activated across north Kashmir
TAUSEEF AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Jan 14: With Republic Day celebrations approaching on January 26, security forces have gone into heightened alert mode across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in north Kashmir, following fresh intelligence inputs warning of possible infiltration attempts and militant activity from across the border.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has significantly intensified surveillance, ground deployment, and foot patrolling along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) to pre-empt any attempt to disturb peace and security during the national event. The enhanced security grid comes amid credible intelligence indicating that terrorist groups may try to exploit weather conditions and gaps along both traditional and non-traditional infiltration routes.
Official sources said that heightened monitoring has been put in place in sensitive border districts, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and the Gurez sector. Surveillance has been strengthened not only along known infiltration corridors but also across lesser-used and difficult terrain routes that could be exploited for cross-border movement.
“We have received credible inputs suggesting possible infiltration bids. Accordingly, surveillance and troop deployment have been intensified across north Kashmir to effectively counter any such attempts,” a senior BSF officer said.
As part of the intensified security measures, security forces have increased vehicle checking, frisking, and random inspections along key routes near the LoC and in the adjoining hinterland. Officials said additional checkpoints have been established, and movement along border roads is being closely monitored to prevent any suspicious activity in the run-up to Republic Day.
In Bandipora district, the BSF has deployed additional manpower and activated advanced surveillance systems to strengthen border domination. DIG BSF Bandipora, N.R. Babu, told Kashmir Despatch that high-tech equipment, including drones, night-vision devices, and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, has been pressed into service to keep a close watch on vulnerable stretches along the LoC.
He said that multiple layers of security have been reinforced through enhanced foot patrols and mobile patrol units, particularly in challenging terrains connecting Bandipora to Razdan Pass and further towards the Gurez sector. “Foot patrolling has been increased along the LoC, including intensified night surveillance operations, to effectively thwart any infiltration attempt,” the DIG said.
Highlighting the challenges posed by winter conditions, the officer noted that militant groups often attempt to exploit snowfall and harsh weather in high-altitude areas to push infiltrators across the border. “Adverse weather does not lower our guard. All necessary precautionary measures related to camp security, convoy movement, and border domination are firmly in place,” he added.
Meanwhile, security forces are maintaining close coordination with local police and intelligence agencies to ensure seamless information sharing and effective ground response. Officials said the objective is to maintain peace and stability across the Valley while ensuring that Republic Day celebrations pass without any untoward incident.
Authorities have reiterated that the security grid will remain on high alert in the coming days, with continuous reviews of the situation to respond swiftly to any emerging threat.
