Pak Rangers build towers along border, BSF terms it ‘normal’

Anirudh Gupta

Ferozepur, March 4

“Unusual” construction activity is being observed along the 550-km-long India-Pakistan border in Punjab. At several locations, the Pakistani Rangers have started strengthening their defence by building observation towers along the zero line.

In the Ferozepur sector alone, several “pucca” observation posts are being constructed along the International Border (IB) close to the Indian side. BSF officials say the development was “normal” as the Pakistani authorities can construct anything on their side. Sources say the matter has been brought to the notice of higher officials in New Delhi.

As per information, those manning the towers can observe every movement till several kms in the Indian territory. Earlier, the Pakistani security forces had made concrete bunkers and new border posts along the border. Alarmed by the construction activity close to their fields, farmers in Jama Rakhiya Hithar and other villages close to the IB said they felt vulnerable and insecure.

Sources say that in the Mamdot area, Pakistani border outposts, including Shere Jawan, Mehfooz Khan, Khalid Shahid and Jalle Khan, are situated away from the zero line, while BSF posts such as Jalloke and Raja Mohtam are right on the zero line. Maybe for this reason, they say, the Pakistani Rangers want their posts be relocated close to the border for tactical purposes.

The BSF, meanwhile, is reportedly enhancing surveillance along sensitive areas. BSF officials said smart fencing was being installed. More observation towers, ambush and patrol shelters, and laser walls will come up subsequently.

To check spurt in cross-border drug smuggling and to prevent intrusion attempts, the BSF is in the process of erecting anti-cutting and anti-climbing fence.