Jaipur, May 26 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the Border Security Force (BSF) post at Sanchu along the India–Pakistan border in Bikaner on Tuesday and asserted that the role of the BSF must now be viewed through a “new dimension” in light of emerging security challenges and technology-driven threats.

Addressing the Prahari Sammelan at the historic border post, Shah said the traditional responsibilities of the BSF, including preventing encroachments, monitoring smuggling and infiltration, and maintaining border vigilance, must now be expanded to tackle new-age threats.

He stated that adversaries are increasingly using technology to target national security, prompting the Government of India to broaden the security framework in border regions by strengthening coordination with state governments and the civil administration.

“Any illegal construction within 50 kilometres of the border must be immediately reported to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police. Likewise, demographic changes in border villages should also be brought to the government’s notice,” Shah said.

Highlighting emerging challenges, Shah stressed the need for heightened surveillance against drone-based narcotics smuggling and anti-national activities. “We must monitor where drones land, who receives them, and how they are used. A strong communication network with civil administration and district police is essential,” he said.

He linked border security with local development, noting that villages along the frontier are being transformed under the Vibrant Villages Programme. “Security can be strengthened only through the combined efforts of the BSF, the Army, and alert citizens, as well as the state government machinery. This coordination can build a quadrilateral security grid, which is difficult to breach.”

He also called for regular engagements with school students and youth to create awareness among future generations.

Commending BSF personnel for their role during Operation Sindoor, Shah said the force displayed courage and resilience while maintaining high morale and giving a “befitting reply” whenever required. “Our soldiers stood strong, faced challenges with unwavering resolve, and played a significant role in maintaining high morale. As always, whenever the situation demanded, they delivered a befitting reply to Pakistan.”

Referring to the historic significance of the Sanchu post, Shah said, “I have arrived at the historic Sanchu Border Outpost. I had wished to visit the Sanchu post even before assuming the office of Home Minister. During the 1965 India-Pakistan War, Sanchu had a population of over 500, and the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) outpost was located 500 metres behind it in Ranjitpura village.”

He further stated that intelligence inputs had indicated that Pakistan had launched an offensive to capture Sanchu. At that critical moment, personnel of the 3rd RAC and the 13th Grenadiers mounted a counter-attack and ensured that Sanchu remained firmly within Indian territory. The soldiers carried out this responsibility with valour, forcing Pakistani forces to retreat.

The Home Minister further announced major infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of a 1,096-km Lateral Road and a 520-km Axial Road across Rajasthan’s desert region to improve mobility and connectivity for security forces. He added that work on new-design border fencing is underway, and a piped drinking water supply to around 180 BSF border outposts in Rajasthan has already been completed.

Shah said the visit also marked the inauguration of women’s barracks and underscored the government’s commitment to gender-inclusive security forces. “The daughters of the nation are contributing significantly to national security and will receive equal opportunities in every sphere,” he said.

He announced that all essential facilities for the country’s daughters would be ensured by 2030. In Rajasthan, 79 women’s barracks have been sanctioned at a cost of nearly Rs 40 crore, of which 14 were inaugurated on Tuesday. Construction of 67 barracks has been completed, while work on the remaining 12 is underway.

Shah further said India’s armed forces and borders are being rapidly modernised. “The government has adopted a policy of responding ruthlessly if terrorists attempt infiltration. At the same time, we must ensure such attempts are prevented altogether, and the Vibrant Villages Programme and a strong four-sided security grid can help us achieve this goal,” he stated.

During his nearly 90-minute stay at Sanchu, Shah interacted with BSF personnel, shared breakfast with troops, surveyed the Pakistan border and Zero Point through binoculars, and planted a Khejri sapling, calling it a “Kalpavriksha for the desert.”

He also highlighted that security personnel have planted 73.5 million trees over the past seven years. Praising the BSF’s dedication, Shah said, “From scorching deserts to snow-covered mountains, in temperatures ranging from 45°C to minus 45°C, our border sentinels have protected the nation with courage and sacrifice. Nearly 2,000 personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty.”

–IANS

arc/dan