VSAT links to curb border boredom

An official at North Block said satellite links would improve border surveillance. And help stem the loneliness of the jawans.

However, there is a difference between the ITBP and the BSF projects.

The BSF plan envisages linking twelve outposts as one unit with a VSAT located at the midpoint. Bulk encryption devices will be deployed at strategic points to improve communication security. Also, more facilities like transfer of files and broadband radio are to be provided to the BSF.

8220;The BSF is gradually shifting from hierarchical to seamless communication8221;, reads a document released by the paramilitary outfit.

The ITBP project, estimated to cost Rs 41 crore, is at a more developed stage given the pressing demands and the hostile terrain of the Indo-China frontier.

The majority of ITBP personnel, unlike other paramilitary organisations, have to spend their career guarding the border at heights ranging from 9000 to 18000 feet above sea level.

Some of these outposts are even higher army bases. Moreover, the usual term of an ITBP posting is three years, unlike the army where personnel have to serve for only 3-6 months in such harsh conditions.

Sometimes, it takes as much as five months for supplies to reach certain outposts in Arunachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, due to poor communication links and natural hazards. However, it has been decided that the ITBP will be provided with seven advanced light helicopters. This should ease the transport problem.

The Home Ministry has also sanctioned fifteen more battalions for the force. It currently has 25. Home Minister Shivraj Patil has also spoken of involving the force in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Security concerns were the primary reason for providing satellite links to the BSF. With frequent skirmishes with the Bangladesh Rifles BDR and increasing cross-border criminal activity, it was felt that faster communication among border outposts was essential.