With New Year celebrations on the horizon, security agencies have significantly heightened their vigil in the sensitive border districts of Pathankot in Punjab and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir. Both districts share a strategic and porous International Border with Pakistan, making them vulnerable to infiltration attempts, especially during high-alert periods.
Joint Forces Launch Comprehensive Security Operations
In a coordinated effort, the police, Border Security Force (BSF), and the Indian Army have rolled out extensive security measures. Daljinder Singh Dhillon, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Pathankot, stated on Sunday that operations include intensified patrolling, rigorous vehicle checks, and area domination exercises in border villages and around key installations.
Night patrols have been specifically strengthened, with special checkpoints established at strategic locations to monitor all movement. "In view of the New Year celebrations, we are on alert mode. Routine security checks and special operations are being carried out in coordination with the BSF and the Army," Dhillon said. He added that police teams are closely monitoring the activities of suspected individuals to ensure public safety.
History of Terror Attacks Informs Current Vigilance
The region's security posture is shaped by a troubled past. Pathankot has been a prime target for terror activities. The most notable incident occurred when four heavily armed terrorists, suspected to be from Jaish-e-Mohammad, infiltrated on December 31, 2016. After hiding for a day, they attacked the Pathankot Air Force Base on January 2. All four were neutralised after a prolonged, fierce gunfight.
Earlier, on July 27, 2015, terrorists attacked the Dinanagar police station in the neighbouring Gurdaspur district. Security agencies believe that in both cases, terrorists exploited the riverine gaps along the border to sneak into Indian territory. These past events underscore the critical need for the current, heightened state of alert.
Preventive Measures and Questioning in Kathua
Echoing the stance in Punjab, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have also tightened security. SSP Kathua, Mohita Sharma, confirmed that the district police have implemented additional security measures. "Some people have been rounded up for questioning as part of preventive steps, though no arrests have been made so far," she clarified.
Meanwhile, intelligence sources revealed that a few individuals from the Gujjar community, who have temporary settlements (deras) close to the international border, were detained for detailed questioning. They are suspected of having possible links with people across the border. Officials, however, emphasised that this action is purely precautionary and part of intelligence-based operations to prevent any untoward incident.
As the year draws to a close, security forces assert they are fully prepared and have left no stone unturned to ensure that celebrations are not marred by any misadventure from across the border. The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
