Operation Sindoor considerably unsettled Pakistani safety forces as India carried out focused strikes on terrorist camps throughout the border. Chatting with Parul Kulshrestha, Inspector Normal M L Garg of the Border Safety Power (Rajasthan Frontier) mentioned the evolving scenario alongside the western border and the BSF’s strategic response. Garg emphasised that India exercised restraint by not concentrating on civilian or army infrastructure. In distinction, Pakistan launched drones and missiles geared toward each army installations and civilian populations — a lot of which have been efficiently intercepted and neutralized in mid-air.
What have been the main challenges throughout Operation Sindoor? Have been there any sudden hurdles?
There was nothing sudden, aside from the sheer quantity of drones and missiles that Pakistan launched towards our border areas. In complete, 413 drones have been despatched concentrating on army and civilian areas in Rajasthan, significantly in Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. All of them have been efficiently intercepted and neutralized. We have been totally ready for such a situation.
What preparations have been made by the BSF earlier than Operation Sindoor was launched?
The Director Normal of BSF and the central authorities had instructed us to remain ready — not for full-scale battle however for escalating tensions between the 2 nations. Anti-drone programs had already been put in by the BSF, Military, and Air Power. We have been on excessive alert, particularly after the occasions of Might 7, when Pakistan responded aggressively following our focused strikes on terrorist camps. Our operations have been exact — we prevented civilian and army infrastructure. In distinction, Pakistan responded indiscriminately, concentrating on civilian areas. India reserves the proper to answer terrorism, and Pakistan’s haphazard drone assaults confirmed a disregard for harmless lives.
You talked about throughout the Might 26 press convention that India didn’t evacuate border villages, whereas Pakistan did. Why was that?
India acted with restraint and precision. Our strikes have been restricted to stopping militant exercise. Within the occasion of shelling, we had bunkers prepared for civilian safety, however that stage of response wasn’t vital. Pakistani drones have been intercepted within the air, eliminating the necessity to transfer villagers. We prioritized safety whereas sustaining calm.
Story continues under this advert
There have been stories of sleeper cells and espionage in border villages. How is BSF addressing this concern?
Sure, there have been instances of Indian nationals in border villages appearing as informants for Pakistan. With fashionable encrypted messaging apps, such actions are more durable to detect. Nevertheless, we intently monitor communications and conduct. These people are ultimately recognized and apprehended due to our surveillance and intelligence capabilities.
Operation Sindoor introduced a war-like situation after many years. Will BSF replace its border safety technique following this?
Our long-standing preparedness helped us to handle the scenario successfully. This operation has supplied invaluable expertise about how battle conditions might evolve. Whereas our core technique stays intact, we’re constantly evaluating and implementing enhancements to strengthen our place additional.
Story continues under this advert
How does managing the Rajasthan border examine to dealing with conditions in Kashmir or Bengal?
Every border presents distinctive challenges. The India-Bangladesh border sees extra infiltration and narcotics smuggling, that are largely financial crimes. Latest political adjustments in Bangladesh have influenced the character of those points. In Jammu & Kashmir, significantly alongside the Line of Management, ceasefire violations demand a extra aggressive posture. Punjab and Rajasthan, being worldwide borders, have seen weapon and drug drops aided by components in Pakistan. Our strategy varies by area, and we’re continually upgrading our capabilities to take care of such threats successfully.
Are there plans to strengthen anti-drone programs on the western entrance to forestall narcotics smuggling?
Sure. The central authorities is conscious of the scenario and is actively engaged on bolstering anti-drone capabilities to curb narcotic drops alongside the western border.
Story continues under this advert
How was the coordination between BSF, the Military, native police, and civil administration throughout Operation Sindoor?
The BSF held the entrance traces, typically simply 150 meters from the worldwide border. Coordination with the Military and Air Power was seamless. Civil administration and native populations prolonged full assist. That is the great thing about India, all of us turn out to be united when there’s a risk to our nation.
There was plenty of misinformation, together with stories of cyberattacks, throughout Operation Sindoor. What’s your take?
Pakistan initially tried to downplay the operation however resorted to misinformation when the scenario spiraled out of their management. A number of authorities and civil web sites confronted cyber assaults. Nevertheless, our cyber defence programs held agency. We ensured well timed and correct communication by means of official channels to forestall panic and misinformation.
Story continues under this advert
What message would you want to provide to the general public?
Unity is our best energy. The general public should belief the management and the armed forces. Whereas some questioned Operation Sindoor, it’s vital to face collectively throughout nationwide crises. Our forces are devoted to defending each citizen, and we urge folks to assist and imagine within the nation’s efforts to take care of peace and safety.