2022 REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF BORDER SECURITY FORCE

Aditya V. Singh.

YEAR – 2022 REVIEW OF OPERATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS, GOOD WORK, CIVIC ACTION PROGRAMMES AND OTHER MISC ACTIVITIES OF KASHMIR FRONTIER, BSF.

“BORDER SECURITY FORCE IS INDIA’S FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE”

Humhama (Srinagar). The Border Security Force, Kashmir Frontier, besides manning LoC in Kashmir Valley, is also deployed for ensuring VA/VP duty, safety/security of people, with full zeal and devotion. Despite numerous challenges, like inclement weather, constrained living conditions, infiltration, dangers of BAT action, sniping, IED threats, valiant BSF Jawans are standing undauntedly to secure the LoC & hinterland round the clock with utmost dedication and unflinching spirit.

During the year 2022, based upon BSF Intelligence, number of joint Ops were successfully launched in synergy with sister agencies, resulted in neutralization of 20 terrorists (10 Local & 10 Foreign Terrorist), apprehension of 02 confirmed terrorists and 03 suspected pers and recovery of large quantity of war like stores including AK series Rifle – 24, M series – 02, Pistol/Revolver – 20 alongwith their accessories, Comn Eqpts, Grenade – 27, more than 2500 live Rounds along with 02 Kgs of Explosives, IEDs – 04 & around 11 Kgs Narcotics.

In addition, BSF is regularly engaged in skill development and well being of border population through various Civic Action programs including Free Medical Camps, Blood donation Camps, evacuation (Airlifted) of civilians patients from snow-bound areas, Sports & Cultural activities, Pre-recruitment training of youth from border (LoC) villages. More than, 6200 persons are directly benefited from these activities during last year.

Apart from the above, 14 Adhoc BSF Bns contributed immensely during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra – 2022 to establish a tight security grid ensuring protection of pilgrims. On 08th July 2022 during the ill-fated flash flood which caused wide spread destruction, chaos and fear among the pilgrims, BSF emerged as first responder to mitigate the impact of this disaster. BSF troops alongwith Medical teams deployed in vicinity of Holy Cave were immediately activated and worked in close co-ordination with Civil Administration, to carry out Search & Rescue Ops.

Resultantly many critically injured and trapped pilgrims were timely evacuated to the nearest medical facility/ Field Hospitals saving many precious lives. Services of MI-17 were immediately extended for casualty evacuation, trans-shipment of injured pers & mortal remains of the victims.

On 16th Aug’ 2022 during withdrawal of troops of ITBP, a team of ITBP personnel met with an accident in which a bus carrying 37 pers of ITBP & 02 Pers of JKP skidded off the road and toppled down in a deep gorge near Fraslaan village, District Anantnag.

Immediately, troops of BSF Adhoc Bns deployed between Pahalgam and Chandanwari responded and launched rescue operation. BSF troops expedited evacuation of the injured including road clearance for movement of ambulances and other emergency services vehicles.

For all these selfless service, 11 BSF pers were recommended for award of Jeevan Raksha Padak in recognition of their prompt, dedicated, compassionate and intelligent handling of the situation under extremely stressful and emergent situation caused ill-fated accidents to help save lives of injured victims.

During the current year, BSF celebrated “Azadi Ka Amrit Mohtsav” under campaign Har Ghar Tiranga and organized Tiranga Motorcycle Rally, Walkathon/ Run, on the occasion of 75 years of India’s Independence.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was celebrated on the occasion on 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by organizing mega Cycle Rally & formation of a massive Human Unity Chain on the banks of majestic Dal Lake.

On 27th Aug’ 2022, homage was paid to BSF Martyrs of mountaineering expedition at Panamik, Nurba Valley Ladakh. A mammoth homage alongwith wreath laying ceremony commemorated on Police Commemoration Day at Saheed Smarak, Ftr HQ BSF, Kashmir.

Further, Frontier HQ BSF Kashmir organized number of Mega Plantation Drives including special plantation drive with crew of Excel Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

All India BSF Inter Ftr Volleyball Competition was organized at Shaheed Purohit Stadium BSF Campus, Humhama (Budgam) in which South Bengal Frontier lifted the yearly Inter Frontier Volleyball Championship Trophy. During the year–2022, 765 young, energetic recruits Passed Out after completing tough basic training at STC BSF, Kashmir which was reflected through mesmerizing Passing Out Parades. During the Rozgar Mela-2022 at Kashmir Frontier More than 700 candidates were handed over the appointment letters by Hon’ble MoS (Finance) Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad in Kashmir region.

Many initiatives were taken to improve the basic infrastructure at grass root level to provide maximum facilities to Jawan under Kashmir Frontier. In addition, keeping in view the welfare of Jawan and their family members, Family Welfare Centers (BWWA) are functional in each unit where various Civil/Vocational courses are being run for families of BSF personnel. BSF Hepter is utilized for the evacuation of Jawans serving in High Altitude (snow bound area).

Continuing with its commitment for the people of Kashmir Valley, BSF Kashmir Frontier, on the occasion of 58th Raising Day celebration on 1st December’ 2022. Ashok Yadav, IPS, IG BSF Kashmir Frontier said “We are always there to serve the people of Kashmir” and ensuring their well- being is our first and foremost priority.