In a significant border security development, the Border Security Force (BSF) has launched a massive anti-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) operation along the Punjab border. This follows the first-time seizure of two IEDs from a field in an international border village in Gurdaspur, in which a BSF jawan was injured. BSF activates Anti-IED operation following recovery of explosive devices in Gurdaspur.
The recovery of explosives near civilian-accessed areas raised eyebrows among security agencies. The IEDs were discovered ahead of the border fence — an area regularly visited by local farmers and toured by BSF personnel. Senior officers called the explosive devices “military precision,” very much pointing to cross-border involvement.
BSF to Sweep Hundreds of Kilometres Along India-Pakistan Border
The BSF will sweep the entire 553-kilometre Punjab section of the India-Pakistan border for IEDs along hundreds of kilometres. Around 70% of this terrain is fertile agricultural land, most of which lies beyond the border fencing. These areas are now being considered high-risk zones for civilians and jawans alike.
To counter the threat, additional ground detection equipment and sniffer dogs will be deployed by the BSF. Anti-sabotage inspections have already started in Gurdaspur, and the BSF will increase the operation to other sensitive areas.
BSF Reassigns Jurisdiction for Better Border Security Coordination
In another strategic step, nearly 20.3 kilometres of the Punjab border along Pathankot has been handed over to the Jammu frontier region. This move, with a view to enhancing coordination in the riverine border sectors, was made to enhance overall security efficiency.
The India-Pakistan international border is 2,289 kilometres long from Jammu to Gujarat. The BSF patrols the whole border, which comprises 191.66 kilometres in Jammu and 532 kilometres in Punjab.
IED Recovery is Added to Rising Drone Threat on Punjab Border
The recent IED recovery is added to the rising cross-border security threat from regular intrusions of drones from Pakistan. More than 200 Pakistan-originating drones were recovered by BSF from the Punjab frontier in 2024, effectively doubling the 107 drone recoveries in 2023. About 60 drones have already been intercepted so far this year.
Security personnel maintain that the majority of drones are employed to transport narcotics, although others have also been used to carry small weapons and ammunition. The finding of IEDs introduces a new and perilous front in cross-border infiltration methods.
The BSF will take up the issue with Pakistan Rangers in future meetings.
Cross-Border Security Increased in Punjab
With explosive threats now rising in addition to the drone threat, the BSF’s anti-IED operation in Punjab is a crucial milestone in safeguarding civilians and soldiers along one of India’s most vulnerable border lengths.
