Ahead of Diwali, security beefed up along J&K borders

Srinagar, Nov 2: To prevent any attempt to disrupt the festive celebrations authorities have beefed up the security along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Diwali.
An official said that security forces are conducting a series of joint mock drills and stepping up surveillance along vulnerable border stretches. “Security grids particularly along sensitive stretches in Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region, have been strengthened, while additional vigilance is being maintained along traditional infiltration routes in Kathua district,” the official added.
He said, “A joint mock exercise was recently conducted by security forces along old infiltration routes in Kathua to assess preparedness and strengthen coordination in responding to possible security threats.”
Another official said that in North Kashmir, heightened vigilance is also being maintained in Gurez, Uri, Karnah and Tangdhar sectors, while Sunderbani remains among the sensitive areas in the Jammu region.
Along the International Border, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have intensified round-the-clock patrolling and surveillance, particularly at vulnerable locations. Electronic monitoring systems, drones and other modern equipment are being used to detect suspicious movement.
Officials said troops deployed along the LoC have also increased area domination exercises and maintained close coordination with other security agencies to respond promptly to any infiltration attempt or ceasefire violation.
Meanwhile, security forces in Bandipora district have conducted several counter-terrorism exercises over the past few days to assess their operational readiness.
Bandipora Police, Army’s 13 Rashtriya Rifles and 45 Battalion CRPF, along with other agencies, conducted a joint Cordon, Intervention and Rescue (CIRS) drill at PM High School, Gundgahagir in Hajin.
The exercise was based on a simulated situation in which two civilians were held hostage by terrorists inside the school building. After receiving information at 11 am, participating teams reached the location within 15 minutes, cordoned off the area and evacuated students and other civilians.
A coordinated intervention was subsequently carried out in which both simulated terrorists were neutralised. One hostage was rescued unharmed, while another, who was shown injured during the exercise, received first aid and CPR before being shifted to hospital.
A thorough search of the school and adjoining areas was conducted following the operation.
A day earlier, Bandipora Police and 13 RR held an anti-fidayeen mock drill at Aragam, where a simulated terrorist hiding in an under-construction building was neutralised. Joint teams subsequently sanitised the area to check for suspected explosive material and assessed casualty evacuation arrangements.
Meanwhile, District Police Bandipora conducted another anti-fidayeen exercise at the District Police Lines, involving SOG Bandipora, 3rd Battalion CRPF, 14 RR and 27 Assam Rifles.
During the exercise, four simulated terrorists hiding in two under-construction buildings were neutralised, followed by an area sanitisation operation involving an explosive detection team and a sniffer dog.
Officials said such exercises are aimed at improving response time, testing operational preparedness and strengthening coordination among agencies in dealing with any emergency.
With Diwali falling on November 8 this year, security agencies have maintained heightened alert across vulnerable areas to ensure that celebrations pass off peacefully. (KNO)