Hi-tech fencing plan led to rise in Pakistan firing: BSF

NEW DELHI: An internal assessment by BSF of the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan has concluded that much of the firing towards the close of last year and beginning of this year started after news of India bolstering its border defence with state of the art technology appeared in the media. The aim, say sources, was to disrupt such efforts by India.

In a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan that began on the eve of New Year, as many as five people from India (four security men and one civilian) and 10 people from Pakistan (five soldiers and five civilians) have been killed apart from scores being injured on either side.

BSF maintains that the December 31, 2014 violation was a deliberate attempt by Pakistan to disrupt peace as a regular patrolling party was attacked by Pakistan rangers leading to the death of a BSF jawan. Since then firing from both sides continued intermittently till last week.

The BSF assessment is that the news of laser walls, ground sensors to detect tunnels and thermal imaging cameras being installed to stop infiltration frustrated Pakistan Rangers who launched an attack to disrupt the process.

"Normally, border guarding forces of both countries are supposed to inform each other of any defences we may be building on the border. However, both sides continue to violate this norm and clandestinely build defences. Given our superior capabilities, we build more to stop infiltration—a threat that Pakistan does not face. It was just after such news reports that firing began," said a senior BSF official.

Sources said an incensed Pakistan recently even disallowed cutting of tall grass that grows near the border and which is cut periodically to clear line of sight. "It is a regular practice to inform Pakistan Rangers about cutting of grass and then go ahead with it. They never object. This time they did. We had to send an armed contingent to help clear the undergrowth," said the officer.

Meanwhile, as firing continues to rage between the two forces, as many as 40 bunkers are being built in various villages on the border to ensure civilian lives are not harmed during Pakistan shelling. "These bunkers are being built under the Border Area Development Programme and would help save civilian lives," said the official.