JAMMU: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today visited the Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua district during his tour of Jammu and Kashmir, where he interacted with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and paid tribute to Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad, who lost his life in the line of duty at the International Border in 2019, a PIB spokesman said in two separate statements.
Accompanying the Union Home Minister were Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and Director-General of the Border Security Force, along with other senior dignitaries.
During his visit, Shah inaugurated newly constructed infrastructure aimed at improving border management and the welfare of BSF personnel. These included eight women’s barracks, high-mast lights, a G+1 tower, and a composite border outpost, constructed for Rs 47.22 crore. He stated that these facilities would not only strengthen operational capacity but also enhance the living and working conditions of the personnel deployed.
Addressing BSF personnel, the Union Home Minister said that visiting the outpost gave him a true sense of the difficult conditions under which the force operates. He acknowledged the challenges of guarding India’s borders in extreme temperatures, difficult terrain, and adverse weather conditions, and said that BSF personnel carry out their responsibilities with constant vigilance and preparedness.
Describing the BSF as India’s first line of defence, Shah said the force has always discharged its duties with distinction. He noted that in every conflict with Pakistan, the contribution of BSF personnel has been as vital as that of the Army.
Highlighting the government’s focus on technological enhancement, Shah said more than 26 technology-based initiatives are currently being tested, including anti-drone systems, tunnel detection technology, and advanced electronic surveillance. Two electronic surveillance system models have already been developed, and once deployed across the border, they are expected to significantly improve the response time and situational awareness of security forces.
He stated that in the coming years, security personnel along the entire India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders would be equipped with the latest technical support. These developments, he said, would help reduce the operational difficulties of soldiers and improve border management.
Shah reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of security forces and their families. He said several initiatives, such as Ayushman CAPF, Ex-Gratia Payments, insurance coverage under the CAPF salary package scheme, the Unified Pension Scheme, the Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme, and E-Housing have been launched to support personnel and their dependents.
Later in the day in Jammu, the Union Home Minister met the families of police personnel from Jammu and Kashmir who had lost their lives in the line of duty. He handed over appointment letters to nine nominees on compassionate grounds. Shah expressed gratitude to the families, saying that the country is proud of the police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation.
He also urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to take a positive view on the case of 12-year-old Yuvraj Singh, son of fallen Special Grade Constable Jaswant Singh, and to ensure his appointment on compassionate grounds once he attains adulthood.
In addition, Shah paid his respects to the family of the late Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager and Designer at APCO Construction Company, who died during a terrorist attack on the Sonamarg Tunnel project in Ganderbal district on October 20, 2024. The Union Home Minister said that while words cannot lessen the pain of such a loss, the nation stands firmly with the bereaved families and honours their sacrifices.
Speaking on the broader security environment in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, significant progress has been made in curbing terrorism and ending separatist ideology. He added, however, that the mission is not yet complete, as terrorism has not been entirely eliminated.
He called on citizens to uphold the ideals of duty, honour, and love for the nation as demonstrated by those who have laid down their lives in the service of the country. The courage and dedication of fallen personnel, he said, would continue to inspire efforts to build a secure and united India.
The visit of the Union Home Minister to Kathua and Jammu reflects the Government of India’s continued emphasis on strengthening national security, enhancing the welfare of security forces, and pursuing peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
