Graduation ceremony of BSF recruits in India

In pictures:



Friday 06 December 2013

New recruit of the Indian paramilitary Border Security Force soldiers took part in a passing out parade ceremony in Humhama, on the outskirts of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. A total of 342 recruits were formally inducted into the BSF after completing 34 weeks of training.
The BSF has so far trained 11452 recruits since its inception and that includes 1881Kashmiri youth, including surrendered militants who are now performing their duty in various parts of India.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/in-pictures-graduation-ceremony-of-bsf-recruits-in-india-8988216.html

From HT
Srinagar, December 06, 2013
Clear skies might be a blessing for militants trying to cross over to Kashmir, says the Army, which believes that increased activity across the Line of Control (LoC) indicates that militants might be planning a major infiltration soon. 
"There is heightened activity on the launch pads across the LoC where top terror commanders have recently visited. We are expecting infiltration attempts in the coming months and are fully prepared to meet the challenge,"  Lt gen Gurmeet Singh, 15 Corps commander, said on the sidelines of a passing-out parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Humhama area of central Badgam district in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The coming months are tough from the security point of view. We have terror infrastructure intact across the LoC and in the hinterland," the top army commander said.

He said there has been snowfall on the LoC, but so far, not all of it was covered with snow, and there were possibilities of infiltration. "Less snow on the border increases the chances of infiltration," Singh said.

The infiltration routes get closed due to snowfall, but Kashmir has received less snow this year, so far.

Singh, however, said the army was ready to face any challenge.

"The number is related to security dynamics and I would not like to share the same, but I must assure you there is perfect synergy between the security forces, especially the intelligence agencies, and we are prepared to face the challenge," he said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/jammusec/infiltrations-possible-with-less-snow-on-the-border/article1-1159822.aspx#sthash.45oDJfXs.dpuf

BSF rules out infiltration, breach of fence along IB in Jammu

From Zee News
Friday, December 06, 2013
Phadpur: Asserting that multi-layered security has been put in place to prevent militants sneaking across the International Border, the BSF on Friday ruled out any infiltration or breach of fencing in Jammu.
"There is no infiltration of militants or breach of border fencing along IB in Jammu frontier -- There was no such truth in reports of infiltration (as projected in media yesterday)," DIG BSF, Virender Singh told reporters here. 

There was an alert by a Intelligence Agency about possibility of infiltration of terrorists sitting across the borderline along the IB, but it was mistaken that the militants managed to sneak across the border, which is not so, he said. 

BSF DG Reviews Anti-Maoist Operations

By Express News Service - JEYPORE/MALKANGIRI

Published: 06th December 2013

• Photos

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  BSF DG Subash Joshi during his visit to Malkangiri on Thursday |express Photo

The BSF would further intensify anti-Maoist operation in this part of the State in the wake of recovery of arms and ammunitions from forest areas.This was informed by BSF DG Subash Joshi who reviewed the BSF activities in the Maoist affected Koraput and Malkangiri districts on Thursday.

The DG held discussion with the local officials and took stock of the situation.

Joshi flew in from New Delhi to the BSF office at Badapada situated in the cut-off region of Malkangiri and interacted with the security forces besides Malkangiri SP Akhlieswar Singh regarding the challenges faced by them in tackling the ultras. Prior to that, he reviewed anti-Maoist operation in Koraput’s Narayanpatana, Bandhugaon, Boipariguda and Ramgiri areas.

The DG asked the security forces to be more careful during combing operations and lauded the role of the elite forces in containing Maoists from spreading their tentacles in the districts. Joshi’s visit is considered important in the wake of PLGA Week being observed by the ultras.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/BSF-DG-Reviews-Anti-Maoist-Operations/2013/12/06/article1930860.ece

Developments in Bangladesh keep India on tenterhooks

From TOI

Jayanta Gupta, TNN Dec 5, 2013
KOLKATA: Even as scores of Bangladeshi citizens continue to pour across the international border everyday, both through legal channels and illegally, agencies in India are keeping their fingers crossed on developments in the neighbouring country that goes to the polls a month later. Border districts ofWest Bengal have been put on high alert to prevent a spillover of the ongoing violence in Bangladesh into India.

"The fast deteriorating law and order situation across the border is a matter of grave concern to us. We fear that if things get completely out of hand in Bangladesh, the government there may call in the Army to maintain law and order. The situation will worsen if this happens," an official in Kolkata said.

Spurt in ceasefire violations to top agenda in Indo-Pak border guarding forces' talks

From TOI

Deeptiman Tiwary, TNN Dec 5, 2013

NEW DELHI: Increased ceasefire violations this year and targeting of border villages by Pakistan Rangers is going to top the agenda in the bilateral talks between border guarding forces of the neighbouring nations. The talks will be held in Lahore from December 16.

A delegation led by BSF DG Subhash Joshi will meet senior officers from Pakistan Rangers in Lahore and Islamabad later this month to discuss pressing issues on the border, including maintenance of ceasefire agreements. This year has seen one of the worst and most frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the past decade. In October, the Jammu border was on fire for around 10 days with both BSF and Pakistan Rangers firing at each other with force and civilian casualties on either side.

40 years after war, bridge opens near Hussainiwala border

From TOI

Dinesh K Sharma, TNN Dec 5, 2013

FEROZEPUR: A strategically important bridge, which was blown up during 1971 India-Pakistan war to save Ferozepur, was opened at Hazara village near Hussainiwala international border on Wednesday. The bridge is a lifeline of nearly 10 villages and their only land link with the country. Militarily, it can support offensive operations in developing a thrust towards Kasur and Lahore in Pakistan. It is also vital for Border Security Force ( BSF) guarding the international border near Ferozepur, as the supply of their ration, weaponry and troops would now be an easy task.

The bridge was blown up during the 1971 India-Pakistan war to prevent advances of the Pakistan army. Till date, troops and the villagers of adjoining areas used to cross the Satluj using a makeshift wooden bridge. The newly-opened bridge has been named after two Army officers, Maj Kanwaljit Singh Sandhu and Maj S P S Waraich of 15-Punjab Regiment, who had fought valiantly to defend Hussainiwala during the Indo-Pak war exactly 42 years back on December 3-4 in 1971. Wives of these two 1971 war heroes, Jasbir Kaur Sandhu and Rupinder Kaur Warraich, inaugurated the bridge in the presence of other civil dignitaries. 15-Punjab Regiment lost its 53 men in this battle and two officers - Maj Sandhu and Maj Waraich - while 35 men were taken prisoners. Both the officers were declared prisoners of war (POW) and their whereabouts are not known since 1971 war.

According to the Army, Sandhu and Waraich had delayed the Pakistan army attack led by a squadron of enemy's tank. In the ensuing battle over Hussainiwala barrage was blown up and Ferozepur was saved. The strategic bridge has been constructed by Border Road Organization (BRO) under their project "Chetak" at the cost of around Rs 3.80 crore. Project "Chetak" of BRO, which has the mandate of building strategic roads and infrastructure for armed forces, has the jurisdiction over the three states Rajasthan, Punjab and a part of Gujarat.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-05/india/44806162_1_bridge-hussainiwala-border-security-force

Maoists, security forces exchange gunfire in Odisha

From Daijiworld News

Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (IANS): There was a brief exchange of gunfire between security personnel and a group of armed Maoists in a forested area of Odisha's Malkangiri district Thursday, an official said.

Inspector General of Police (Operation) Soumendra Priyadarshi said the gunfight between Border Security Force (BSF) troopers and the rebels took place in the Gamphakonda forest of the district.

"The gunfight lasted for several minutes. Further details are awaited," he told IANS.

Malkangiri district, about 620 km from Bhubaneswar, is considered a Maoist stronghold.

The latest incident comes less than a week after the Maoists ambushed a police party in Sunabeda forest area of Nuapada district and shot dead two policemen.

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=205481

Bangladeshi lawyers' body moves Supreme Court seeking inquiry against BSF Constable

From TOI

TNN Dec 5, 2013,

NEW DELHI: A Bangladeshi lawyers' body has moved the Supreme Court seeking inquiry against a Border Security Force constable who allegedly shot dead a 15-year-old girl as she hung on the barbed border fence after her clothes got entangled while trying to cross over to Bangladesh.

The girl, Felani, was crossing into Bangladesh with her family on January 7, 2011 to get married there. While other members of the family jumped over the fence, she found her clothes inextricably caught in the barbed wire mesh.

Though the father said he was crossing into Bangladesh from India, in the petition he mentioned his residential address as Colony Tari, Union Ramkhana, district Koorigram, Bangladesh.

A bench of Justices H L Dattu and Madan B Lokur has sought responses of the Centre and the BSF on the petition, filed by Felani's father Noor Islam and Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association.

BSF lauds South Bengal frontier's success

From India Blooms

Kolkata, Dec 4 (IBNS): The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday declared that the South Bengal frontier on Indo-Bangladesh border during the month of November had gained considerable success in the operational front by seizing many unauthorized articles.

BSF noted that the troops from the South Bengal frontier seized 24459 bottles of Phensedyl in the border area under Police Stations - Bongaon, Bashirhat, Swaroopnagar, Bagdah and Gaighata in 24 Parganas (North) district; PS - Hanskhali, Tehatta, Chhapra, Krishnaganj in Nadia district; PS - Jalangi, Raninagar in Nadia district and Bhagwangola in Murshidabad district and Kaliachak, Raghunathganj, Baishnavnagar and Shamsherganj in Malda district.

Moreover, the BSF had seized 99.950 Kgs of Ganja in the border area under Bangaon Police Station in 24 Pgs (N) district and Hogalbaria Police Station in Nadia district.

Also the troops seized 933.51 grams of gold costing approximately Rs. 27,53,852 in the border area under Swaroopnagar Police Station and Bangaon Police Station in North 24 Parganas district.

The BSF had also seized Rs. 1,11,500 worth FICN in the border area under Baishnavnagar Police Station and Kaliachak Police Station in Malda district and Raninagar Police Station in Murshidabad district.

Moreover, the BSF had recovered 10 endangered wildlife species Reptiles (Lizard) called Gecko which is priced in international market at approximately Rs. 2 Cores from the border area under Bangaon Police Station.

Beside the above, the BSF troops have seized other contraband items and cattle worth Rs. 2,70,18,914 and apprehended 281 Bangladeshi illegal migrants during the month of Nov 2013.

http://www.indiablooms.com/NewsDetailsPage/2013/newsDetails041213s.php

BSF may fix J&K Ramban firing blame on imam

From TOI

Deeptiman Tiwary, TNN Dec 3, 2013

NEW DELHI: The court of inquiry ordered into the July 18 Ramban firing in Jammu and Kashmir where BSF jawans allegedly killed four people and injured 40 is likely to hold the imam of a mosque and local people responsible for the flare-up that led a mob to attack the force camp.

According to sources, the inquiry report, likely to be submitted within a week, has exonerated BSF personnel of any responsibility and found that the local imam had falsely accused BSF jawans of desecrating the holy Quran.

Sources said investigations found that the video and pictures of a torn Quran circulated among local people was fake as the carpet in the madarsa did not match the carpet in the picture. It also held that BSF jawans had no option but to fire in self defence after a mob started pelting stones at the camp and tried to barge in.

Arrest of illegal migrants on Indo-Bangla border rises: BSF

From Business Standardard 
Press Trust Of India  |  Kolkata  

December 2, 2013

The number of arrest of smugglers on the Indo-Bangla border has gone up this year, while that of death in firing has declined, BSF, which is celebrating its 48th Raising Day, said today.

In 2013, 4,879 illegal entrants and smugglers were arrested while the figures for 2012, 2011 and 2010 stood at 3,470, 2,683, and 2,886, respectively, BSF Additional Director General, East, B D Sharma said.

Asked if the number of illegal migrants have increased because of political unrest in Bangladesh, Sharma replied, "No we don't think so."

The seizure of fake currency, ganja and heroin has also gone up this year.


Fake currency notes with face value of around Rs 78,31,300, 6,353 kg of ganja and 32.030 kg of heroin have been seized by the BSF on the Indo-Bangla border.

The number of deaths due to firing on the border by the BSF to prevent smuggling and illegal migration, however, has come down to 15 in the first 10 months of 2013 in comparison to 26 last year.

Asked whether action has been taken on the list of camps and criminals provided to the Border Guards Bangladesh, Sharma said, "Yes we have given the list. But it is very difficult as the bordering areas are mainly covered by forests. So it is also tough for them too."
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/arrest-of-illegal-migrants-on-indo-bangla-border-rises-bsf-113120201489_1.html

Thousands of Bangladeshis entering India, admits BSF

Business Standard

Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Kolkata, Dec 3: 

Thousands of Bangladeshis are entering India through the Petrapole-Benapole border check-point between the two countries near Bongaon in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, sources in the Border Security Force (BSF) have said, a report published in Bengali daily Ei Samay said on Tuesday. According to high-placed sources in the BSF, 22,000 people entered India with visas through the said check-point in September-October last year, the report said. This year, the number has increased by another 10,000, the report added. The BSF said more forces were being deployed along the porous borders in four districts in West Bengal to increase the surveillance. The ongoing turmoil in poll-bound Bangladesh is believed to be the reason behind such exodus. The comparatively easier procedure of getting the visa has also encouraged the movement. The report also added that the BSF has detained over 3,300 illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and have recovered over a lakh cattle and seven lakh bottles of phensedyl from them, the report said.

http://news.oneindia.in/kolkata/thousands-of-bangladeshis-entering-india-admits-bsf-1351910.html
Read more at: http://news.oneindia.in/kolkata/thousands-of-bangladeshis-entering-india-admits-bsf-1351910.html

BSF to take four-five years to take over Myanmar frontier

From Business Standard

Kolkata  

December 2, 2013 

The BSF will take four to five years to fully take over its new responsibility of protecting the highly porous India-Myanmar border, a senior officer of the paramilitary force said Monday.

"The central government has already taken the decision that the BSF will guard the India-Myanmar border. We are working out the modalities of a smooth takeover of the border from the Assam Rifles," the Border Security Force's Additional Director General B.D. Sharma told media persons here.

The Assam Rifles, positioned around 70-80 km within the border, presently has the responsibility to man the 1,643 km long India-Myanmar frontier.

Sharma said a minimum of 41 battalions (approximately 41,000 troops) supervised by at least 12 deputy inspector generals and four inspector general rank officers headed by an additional director general would be required for the theatre.

Yercaud campaign to end this evening

From Deccan Herald
DC | 02nd Dec 2013

Four companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) including one women CRPF unit, each comprising 80-85 personnel undertook a flag-march along with local police at Yercaud on Sunday in view of the Assembly by-election on December 4. A total of 750 paramilitary troops, including four companies of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and one company of Border Security Force (BSF), have been deployed to ensure fair and peaceful polling. Another 1450 policemen and women from the state will be on poll duty in the constituency, according to R Sakthivel, Salem SP. — DC

Yercaud: Just a day is left for the political parties to campaign for their respective party candidates. District Collector K Maharab­hushanam has declared that the campaign will end at 5 pm on Monday, December 2, and those from other districts should leave the Yercaud constituency immediately. The campaign picked up pace further over the weekend. Samatthuva Makkal Katchi founder president Sarathkumar also got busy campaigning for P Saroja of AIADMK. 

On the other hand, DMK’s MK Stalin, while garnering votes for the party candidate V Maran, was heard speaking out against AIADMK general secretary and Chief minister J Jayalalithaa for avoiding the people in the Yercaud hills during her visit to the constituency. 

“The constituency is named Yercaud because of the hills, but AIADMK party leader did not care to come to the hills,” said Stalin.  Stalin would leave Yercaud on Monday evening, ending his four-day campaign in the constituency. 

The Collector also warned that those who linger after 5 pm on Monday and fail to leave the constituency would be removed by police. 

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131202/news-politics/article/yercaud-campaign-end-evening

Over 281 kg heroin seized along Punjab border this yr

From Business Standard
Thursday, December 2, 2013

Heroin smuggling along the international border in Punjab has been on the rise with over 281 kg of the contraband seized from the state's border belt adjoining Pakistan this year.
At an average, 25.5 kg heroin was seized every month from the Punjab Frontier by Border Security Force troopers this year, BSF Punjab frontier IG Ajay Kumar Tomar said.
"About 281.05 kg heroin worth Rs 1,405 crore in the international market was seized this year. Last year, over 278 kg of the contraband had been seized by BSF," he added.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/over-281-kg-heroin-seized-along-punjab-border-this-yr-113120200050_1.html

BSF takes out cycle rally against drug abuse

From Hindustan Times
Jalandhar, December 01, 2013

On the occasion of its 48th Raising Day, Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Frontier, on Sunday took out a cycle rally from here up to the Joint Check Post (JCP) of Attari.

The rally was organised to spread awareness against drug abuse. The cycle rally comprising 55 BSF personnel led by Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Frontier Ajay Kumar Tomar was flagged off by mayor Sunil Jyoti and Arjuna awardee Comdt (Retd) Nripjit Singh. On this occasion, IG Tomar said the cycle rally on BSF Raising Day was aimed at spreading the message of dedication to national security, awareness against drugs, besides urging citizens to stay fit.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/chunk-ht-ui-punjabsectionpage-jalandhar/bsf-takes-out-cycle-rally-against-drug-abuse/article1-1157997.aspx

Women in BSF break glass ceiling, march with men for first time

From TOI

Deeptimaan Tiwary, TNN Dec 1, 2013, 

NEW DELHI: The Border Security Force on Sunday gave its mahila contingent its due. For the first time in the history of BSF Day Parade, the BSF mahila contingent marched with Berretta and X95 weapons shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts on the occasion of 48th BSF Day held at Chhawla Camp in Delhi on Sunday.

 .(Meira Kumar along with BSF…)

Dressed in camouflaged disruptive pattern uniform, mahila marching foot contingent consisted of one woman officer identified as Dr Shafina Sawhney, two SOs and 42 mahila constables. This was accompanied by an impressive parade and march past by 11 frontiers contingent, camel contingent and camel band, a BSF routine on its raising day celebrations.

Drug smuggling: BSF refutes 'porous borders' charge

From TOI
TNN Dec 1, 2013,

JALANDHAR: The Border Security Force has refuted claims that porous borders were channels for smuggling drugs, asserting that the "borders were not porous and were being effectively guarded by the BSF".
While Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, for long, has been saying that the rise in drug menace in the state was because of porous borders with Pakistan, BSF Punjab frontier IG Ajay Kumar Tomar on Saturday categorically said that BSF, despite odds, was always on high alert and had seized over 281 kg heroin in the current year itself.
Tomar, nevertheless, remained non-congruent when asked that in contrast to his claims of "excellent alertness," Badal has been repeatedly blaming the porous borders. Affirming that he would not respond to political statements, he said, "I can assure that borders are not porous and are being effectively guarded." He further said there was no misunderstanding between BSF and the Punjab government and relations between the two were excellent.

"BSF is coordinating with Punjab police and intelligence agencies to check smuggling and anti-national activities along the border," he said. He pointed out that two BSF constables have been suspended after being found conniving with drug peddlers. "We are tough on this issue and ensure that no person crosses the border illegally," he said.

Badal has been blaming cross-border drug smuggling even after the biggest ever haul of locally made synthetic drug ICE recovered by Punjab police with the arrest of Jagdish Singh Bhola, the kingpin and a former policeman.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-01/india/44618261_1_drug-smuggling-porous-borders-bsf-punjab

BSF hands over man who inadvertently crossed over to Pak

From TOI

TNN Nov 30, 2013,

AMRITSAR: Border Security Force (BSF) handed over a man who inadvertently crossed over the border, to Pakistan Rangers, said BSF's Deputy Commandant Shubhendu Bhardwaj on Saturday.

During the current year 16 people who inadvertently crossed over the border have been handed over to Pakistan.

He said that 17-year-old Pakistani national Bilal Khan, resident of Green Town, Lahore had entered into Indian territory from near border outpost Kahangarh. During questioning he was found to be innocent, also nothing objectionable was found from his possession. Shubhendu said that BSF contacted Pakistan Rangers and handed over Bilal Khan to them on humanitarian grounds.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-30/india/44595316_1_bsf-hands-border-security-force-pakistan-rangers

48th BSF Day: First time Mahila Contingent will march with Berretta and X95 weapons

From newstrackindia.com

New Delhi, Sat, 30 Nov 2013

First time in the history of BSF Day Parade, BSF Mahila contingent in full regalia will march with Berretta & X95 weapon on the occasion of 48th BSF Day, which is going to be held at Chhawla Camp, Delhi on 1st December 2013. Mahila marching foot contingent is consisting of 1 Lady Officer namely Dr Shafina Sawhney, 02 SO?s and 42 Mahila Constables. Their average height is 5 feet 3 Inch. During marching, all Mahila Constables will carry Berratta Rifle whereas Mahila Sub Inspector?s (Contingent Commanders) will carry X95 Rifle. There uniform will be Camouflaged destructive pattern (Combat).

For the first time BSF inducted Mahila GD Constables in 2008 and then inducted Sub Inspector (GD) in 2009 and now inducting Mahila Assistant Commandant as Officers (GD) in 2013.