Operation Alert: Extra Troops, 24-Hour Patrol; BSF Amps Up Security Along India-Pak, Bangladesh Border

To tackle any threats and security issues, the Border Security Force (BSF) has kicked off the ‘Operation Alert’, in view of the 79^th Independence Day. Launched along both India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh border, the paramilitary force has strengthened security, especially in sensitive regions.

BSF’s Operation Alert was launched on Monday (August 11) and continue till the end of Saturday (August 16). As part of the exercise, BSF personnel have been placed on full alert to keep a check and prevent any suspicious activity from across the border.

According to BSF DIG sector south MK Negi, during the operation, the BSF will implement strict border management and rehearse and improve our SOPs and drills. We are reviewing all SOPs, instructions, and drills to prepare for border management and upcoming challenges, he added.

BSF’s Operation Alert: What are the preps?

During this nearly week-long drill, the Border Security Forces has started a 24-hour patrolling and additional troops have been sent from headquarters to man the forward posts. The personnel are using modern weapons, night vision cameras along with high-tech surveillance tools.

Along the Rajasthan border, the BSF personnel are conducting camel patrols in the desert terrain.

In Meghalaya too, the BSF has deployed additional troops in forward border locations and senior officers from the Frontier Headquarters and Sector Headquarters have moved to the border and are supervising the operation. The operation involves intensified area domination, round-the-clock patrolling, surprise ‘naka’ checks and riverine patrols to plug gaps in the border.

Further, special emphasis is placed on countering cattle smuggling, contraband movement, and illegal crossings. Vulnerable routes — both land and riverine — are under continuous surveillance through coordinated ground and water patrols, with night vision equipment and mobile patrol teams pressed into service, the BSF said.

How are BSF troops keeping security in check?

The aim of Operation Alert is not just to protect the border but also ensure safety of all people residing in the villages close to the border. In view of the same, extra troops have been stationed at sensitive border posts, and 24-hour patrolling is in place. Advanced communication tools are being used to stay connected.

Moreover, the security forces are also reaching out to villagers and hamlets along the border to keep them alert and involved.

“This (Op Alert) is a routine exercise but very crucial when it comes to security, and in special situations, it becomes even stricter. Our forces are fully prepared to respond to any threat from Pakistan. Ensuring the safety of every citizen living near the border is also a top priority,” said DIG (South Sector) Negi.