Army eyes stronger fence with sensors for LoC

Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, April 27

To curb intrusion by armed Pak ultras, which rise in summer, the Army will soon go in for a new type of fence that will have an integrated system with a lot of sensors to improve its security grid on the de facto borderline.

The BSF has started increasing its strength on the 198-km international border (IB) that witnessed a spurt in intrusion bids by Pak ultras and subsequent terror attacks on the Jammu-Pathankot highway. The Army has deployed 30 companies in “vulnerable” areas.

Talking to mediapersons here today, the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt General DS Hooda said, “We have increased our deployment on the LoC so that the counter-infiltration grid becomes stronger.”

“Repair of fence damaged by snow has started and this year we are looking at a new type of fence having an integrated system. Besides, the fence will have a lot of sensors. So, I am hopeful that we will be able to control intrusion bids even more,” said General Hooda.

In November last year, Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Israel to propel ties between the countries.

On spurt in terror attacks on the Jammu-Pathankot highway, General Hooda attributed them to increase in infiltration bids from across the IB.

“One of the main reasons was damage to the fence due heavy rain and floods. It is being repaired. The BSF is also increasing its strength and we have also deployed 30 companies behind it in second tier,” he said.

On the LoC, he said around 250 militants were present in launch pads opposite 224.5-km LoC in the Jammu sector.

“Similarly, 100 others are in launch pads opposite LoC in Kashmir. As the snow melts, the number as well as infiltration attempts increase. The reports are already with us and it’s a routine activity every year. There is nothing exceptional in it, but we are fully prepared to meet any situation,” he said.

He added that the soldiers have been put on an alert along the LoC.

On the Amarnath Yatra, he said all planning had been done and appropriate security measures would be put in place.

On possibility of BAT attacks on the LoC, he said, “The Army has been getting such inputs, but we have also changed our strategy and surveillance has been enhanced.”

Earlier, General Hooda felicitated Ram Nath Meena, Divisional Traffic Manager of Northern Railway, for his selfless dedication and professional work rendered for the Army.