The operation assumes importance as this is the time when fog descends on the desert areas increasing the possibilities of infiltration.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has stepped up vigil in the Western sector of Rajasthan to check every possibility of infiltration from across the border, as part of Operation Sard Hava (cold air) that is schedule to continue till January 28. The operation assumes importance as this is the time when fog descends on the desert areas increasing the possibilities of infiltration.
There is intensive patrolling by jawans armed with advanced weaponry. They move on foot, on camels and on vehicles. Apart from this, in-depth patrolling is being conducted in areas where there is civilian movement. The BSF is engaged in surprise checking along border roads to monitor unwarranted movements as this is the area where curfew is imposed after the sun set. This checking is being done in association with the local police. Special Ambush Combat Vehicles (ACVs) are used this.
Along the villages close to the border is special emphasis on intelligence gathering too. The intelligence wing of the BSF is engaged in detailed information gathering among the villages. An unknown person in the territory or a visitor to any home is on its radar. “We use all means at our disposal to gather intelligence. We also have an active network of informers who support us and give us information especially if there is a stranger in the vicinity,” said an informed official in the BSF intelligence.
The operation assumes special importance in view of Republic Day and the necessity of ensuring safety against infiltration. According to Deputy Inspector General (BSF), Ravi Gandhi, “The operation aims to keep alert vigil on the international border. Officers have also been asked to be part of operation to motivate jawans. This is the time when infiltration increases due to the dense fog.”
During Operation Sard Hava troops and support staff from the headquarters too are being brought to the border on a rotational basis so that they get a feel of the operations and activities of the BSF at the border. “During the operation between January 15 and 28 all officers barring one to hold camp at the HQ are put into service at the border. Everyone else is in field to prevent any misadventure by Pakistan,” said an officer posted on the border.
Rajasthan has an international border with Pakistan that is over a thousand kilometres and spreads across four districts.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "BSF-jawans")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}