In Bikaner, Amit Shah vows tougher tech shield along Pakistan border

JAIPUR/JAISALMER: Union home minister Amit Shah pledged Tuesday faster deployment of advanced surveillance systems, anti-drone technology and upgraded infrastructure along India’s western frontier while inaugurating new barracks for women personnel of BSF during a visit to forward posts in Rajasthan bordering Pakistan.

Addressing BSF personnel at Sanchu border post in Bikaner district, about 330km northwest of Jaipur and near India’s border with Pakistan, Shah said Union govt had strengthened border security through modern technology and a tougher anti-terrorism policy since 2014.

“We have transformed armed forces and BSF by deploying advanced surveillance systems and adopting a strong anti-terrorism policy,” Shah said, adding installation of anti-drone systems would begin within six months.

Shah called for a stronger four-layer security grid involving BSF, Army, local administration and residents of frontier villages to counter illegal border-crossings, smuggling and drone threats.

He virtually opened 14 newly built women’s barracks at border outposts across Rajasthan. “Today, daughters are two steps ahead of sons in protecting country’s borders. By 2030, all required facilities for women personnel will be fully developed,” he said.

Highlighting expansion of facilities for women personnel, Shah said 79 barracks costing Rs 40 crore were sanctioned in Rajasthan and construction of 67 had already been completed. Across India, 360 women’s barracks are being built at a cost of Rs 200 crore.

Shah praised BSF for operating in harsh desert and mountain conditions and credited the force with maintaining morale in border districts during Operation Sindoor last year and giving a “befitting reply” to Pakistan.

He highlighted strategic importance of Sanchu post, which saw fighting during 1965 India-Pakistan war. Shah said Pakistani troops attempted to capture the post but Indian forces forced them to retreat in a fierce counterattack. “Sanchu is among most historic posts on our border, having witnessed two major wars,” he said, adding he was the first Union home minister to visit the post.

Shah paid tribute to more than 2,000 BSF personnel killed in line of duty and lauded force for planting more than 7.35 crore saplings since 2019 as part of environmental campaigns. He reviewed modern drone surveillance systems and joined a plantation drive alongside Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma.