Blinding fog tests BSF’s patrolling skills

Lacking anti-fog surveillance equipment,the force is having a difficult time ensuring impermeability of the 553-km international border with Pakistan in Punjab.

With the threat of infiltration on the rise due to virtually zero-visibility,the BSF has enhanced foot patrolling,created more pickets and increased the presence of personnel on the border,to thwart any attempt of intrusion from the Pakistan side.

Winter months,say BSF officials,see an upsurge in infiltration. Last week,three Pakistani boys had sneaked into Indian territory from the Ferozepur sector.

The BSF has asked for the latest visual aids being developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) but they are still undergoing testing.

“The fog is a big challenge for the force in current weather conditions. The intruders try to take advantage. We have not got anti-fog equipment so far and we are using conventional measures to guard the border,’’ said BSF IG,Punjab Frontiers,Himmat Singh Gill.

“This is an annual challenge and we are already prepared. It will take some time before anti-fog devices are put to use,as the equipment is in trial stage,’’ said Gill. “The electrified barbed fence is a major barrier and where it is not placed,especially the riverine areas,the presence of jawans has been increased.’’

The Force is already equipped with night vision equipment,hand-held thermal imagers,surveillance equipment,bullet- and IED-proof vehicles but the absence of anti-fog devices is a chink in its armour. “But there cannot be any excuse. So special briefings to troops have been made,’’ he said,adding that,to ensure that jawans stay warm in the cold,the supply of tea to them on the pickets during the night has also been increased.

“The supply of hot tea serves two purposes. One,it gives respite to them from cold and,secondly,it works as a check and balance system to ensure the alertness of the troops,’’ said the IG.