Security forces scour possible cross-border tunnels ahead of PM Modi's visit to J&K

Last updated: February 17, 2024 16:43 UTC

The Border Security Force (BSF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday jointly searched for any possible cross-border tunnels along the international border in Samba district, adding to the security of the union territory ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit next week Sexuality is enhanced. , officials said.

Over the past few decades, security forces have discovered around a dozen cross-border tunnels along the international border with Pakistan in Samba, Kathua and Jammu districts that are used to transport terrorists, weapons and drugs across the border.

The police recently announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who can help find tunnels used by “anti-national elements”. Modi will visit Jammu on February 20 to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones of 209 projects worth Rs 3,161 crore. He will also address a public meeting at Maulana Azad Stadium in central Jammu.

As part of enhanced security arrangements for Modi’s visit, the BSF and police jointly conducted a two-hour anti-tunnel operation in Ramgarh area of Samba district, officials said. They said the operation began at around 9.45am and search teams did not find anything suspicious on the ground.

Officials said BSF troops guarding IB and police personnel manning border posts have been placed on maximum alert, especially in the wake of the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan Rangers, and have been asked to maintain strict vigilance for any suspicious activity from across the border. Security deployment has been intensified along the Line of Control and hinterland, besides border areas along the border, to thwart any attack attempt by terrorists, officials said, adding that security forces have intensified patrolling, area control. and inspect sensitive areas to maintain peace.

On Wednesday night, Pakistan Rangers violated ceasefire and opened fire at BSF post at Makwal along IB in RS Pura sector, triggering retaliation from Indian border guards. The cross-border firing lasted for 25 minutes, after which the BSF lodged a strong protest against the other side for the unprovoked firing.

Army troops guarding the Line of Control also fired at Pakistani drones three times in different parts of Poonch district in the past six days.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)