Jammu, Feb 6: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah on Friday visited the Border Out Posts (BOPs) ‘Gurnam’ and ‘Bobiya’ located on the India-Pakistan border during the second day of his visit to Jammu.
The Home Minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the “Ajey Prahari” memorial and also planted a sapling at the Border Outpost Bobiya.
Shah inaugurated projects worth ₹ 7 Crore for the welfare of troops, including newly built Solar Water Heaters, Solar Power Plants, and an Officers’ mess. He also laid the foundation stone for the BSF infrastructure projects worth ₹ 242 Crore.
The event was attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of the Border Security Force, and other senior officials.
Addressing BSF personnel, Shah said whenever he visits BSF posts located in remote and challenging areas of Kutch, Rajasthan, or Jammu and Kashmir, he always returns with values of duty consciousness and unwavering commitment from the soldiers posted there.
He said that during such visits, he witnesses how BSF personnel perform their duties with deep dedication under difficult and challenging conditions.
The Home Minister described BSF personnel as the finest example of discipline and dedication, standing firm day and night to protect the nation’s borders. “The BSF’s glorious 60-year history has instilled the same sense of discipline among the people of the country.”
“Whenever the nation’s borders have faced threats of intrusion or infiltration, the BSF has stood like an impregnable wall, resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the country,” Shah said.
He stated that the bravery and valor displayed by the BSF during 'Operation Sindoor' have added a golden chapter to its six-decade-long history.
“Even in the most challenging times, BSF personnel upheld the spirit of “We are the sentinels of the border.” The BSF’s Jammu and Kashmir Frontier completely destroyed 118 Pakistani posts and three terrorist launch pads. In this operation, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz Ahmad and Constable Deepak Chingakham, who laid down their lives in the line of duty, were awarded the Vir Chakra, which is a matter of immense pride for us. During this period BSF also received 16 gallantry medals and several commendation certificates,” he said.
The Home Minister said whether deployed along the borders, in the difficult terrain of Manipur, or in Maoist-affected areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the BSF has demonstrated impeccable courage everywhere.
He praised the force for its outstanding humanitarian service during natural disasters, particularly in Punjab.
Shah said that the Chief Minister of Punjab informed him that without the BSF, the challenges during floods would have multiplied manifold. The BSF rendered invaluable service to the people of Punjab and extended extensive assistance during the crisis.
The HM said it is a shared responsibility to ensure that the nation’s borders remain fully secure and vigilant.
He noted that border-related challenges have changed significantly over the past 60 years.
“While the courage, alertness, and dedication of personnel remain crucial, many emerging challenges are now technology-driven. Therefore, advanced technological solutions must be adopted to effectively address them,” he said and recalled that during the BSF Raising Day celebrations, he had announced that the 61st year of the BSF would be dedicated to modernization, as well as to the welfare of BSF personnel and their families.
He added that a dedicated team in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is continuously working on both fronts.
Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is fully committed to the welfare of security personnel. He announced that a special welfare scheme for BSF personnel will be introduced soon.
“Moreover, the Government will invest substantial funds to technologically modernize the entire border security system. This modernization will provide improved border infrastructure and advanced equipment for BSF personnel, enabling them to perform their duties more effectively,” he said adding these facilities will significantly reduce hardships faced by the soldiers and enhance their operational efficiency. “It is because of the unwavering sense of duty, dedication, and commitment of BSF personnel stationed along the borders that the entire nation sleeps peacefully and feels secure.”
The Home Minister also appreciated the significant contribution of women personnel in the BSF towards border security. He later had lunch with the soldiers.