>>BSF playing sterling role in guarding border
>> Counter-terror grid strengthened, new strategy in place
>> Significant progress in choking terror finance
>>Our neighbour always wants to disturb peace
BUDGAM: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the Passing out Parade cum Attestation ceremony of Recruit Constables of Border Security Force at Subsidiary Training Centre, BSF Kashmir at Humhama, stating that effective action against terrorists and the support structures is being ensured in J&K.
The ceremony marked the induction of 629 Recruits of Recruit Batch No. 124 to 127 into the Border Security Force.
In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the new recruits for becoming an integral part of the BSF and asked them to discharge their responsibilities towards the nation and the people with utmost dedication and sensitivity.
Paying tributes to the BSF bravehearts, the Lt Governor said the valour and sacrifice of our brave BSF Personnel and their devotion to the duty is an inspiration to the youth to serve the motherland.
“I am proud of the fact that the BSF as ‘first line of defence’ is playing a sterling role in guarding our border and tackling various other security challenges,” the Lt Governor said.
Reiterating the resolve of the administration, police and security forces to ensure peace, stability and security, the Lt Governor emphasised on ‘Whole of Government Approach’ to wipe out terrorism and terror ecosystem.
“We are determined for effective, continuous, coordinated and sustained action against terrorists and support structures in J&K UT. The counter-terror grid has been strengthened with coordination between the security agencies. A multi-pronged strategy has been put in place to prevent infiltration,” the Lt Governor said.
LG also said that the security forces have devised a new strategy to deal with the emerging terrorist threat and assured that every drop of innocent blood spilled by terrorists will be avenged.
He said that the attack on innocent workers in Gagangir and the one in Baramulla district where army soldiers were killed is “highly condemnable”.
“India always wants peace with its neighbours, but unfortunately we have a neighbour that always tries to disturb peace in India despite facing ultimate poverty back home,” the L-G.
Saying that the Border Security Force (BSF) is facing challenges on multiple fronts be it protecting the LoC or the International Border, L-G Sinha emphasised the need for the force to expand its ambit and maintain close coordination with other central forces to tackle the challenges of terrorism.
“The army and the central forces including BSF have to put in a collective effort to root out terrorism from J&K. BSF is one of the best central forces, but it needs to walk the extra mile,” he said, adding that security forces need to upgrade the technical capabilities to meet the drone challenges. “Not just weapons, but narcotics are also being air-dropped through drones. We need to counter this challenge as drugs are consuming our younger generation. The finances earned out of narcotics sale is pumped in to fuel terrorism,” the L-G said.
“The BSF should advance its technology, intelligence sharing and enhance area domination,” he added.
He praised the role of BSF in tackling terrorism in Punjab saying that the force has great stories of valour and patriotism in its kitty.
“Your role in Kashmir is also appreciable. You are not working to fight terrorism alone, but on the civic front also. This includes opening schools, helping the poor and dealing with the smuggling of weapons and drugs,” the L-G said.
Wishing a bright future to the passing out recruits, L-G Sinha said that the BSF should train NCC cadets in a way so that they could be inducted into BSF tomorrow.
The Lt Governor also highlighted the stringent measures taken to dismantle the terror ecosystem and foil the nefarious designs of the enemies.
We have launched a massive crackdown against narco-terror networks. A significant progress has been made in choking terror finance and taking exemplary action against those aiding and abetting terrorism, he said.
The Lt Governor also called for regular engagement of Security Forces personnel with the youth, especially with the NCC cadets of Kashmir valley and motivate them to join the security forces.
At the outset, the Lt Governor took the ceremonial salute and witnessed the impressive parade and demonstrations by the BSF Units. He also felicitated the recruits for their exceptional performance during the course of training.
An oath was administered to the passing out constables for performing their duties with honesty and utmost sensitivity.
The 44 weeks of training program equipped recruits with proficiency in handling various weapons, firing skills, border management, physical efficiency and endurance, field craft and tactics, counter-terrorism, counter- insurgency, law & order and human rights.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Ashok Yadav, IG BSF Kashmir; V K Birdi, IGP, Kashmir; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Budgam; senior officials of Security forces, Police, administration, BSF personnel and family members of the new recruits were present on the occasion. (With inputs from IANS)
