In a significant security move, the Indian government has ordered the immediate redeployment of two Border Security Force (BSF) battalions from Odisha to the terror-stricken Jammu region along the India-Pakistan border.
This decision, to move more than 2,000 personnel, aims to bolster defences following a surge in terror attacks, official sources confirmed on Saturday.
Earlier this month, the government redeployed 5,000 security personnel and 500 Para Special Forces troops to secure terror-hit Jammu.
The urgency of this redeployment stems from recent terrorist activities in Jammu. The BSF units, previously engaged in anti-Naxal operations, will now serve as a critical "second line" of defence.
This secondary tier will support the primary BSF units already stationed along the international border, focusing on preventing terrorist infiltration and securing the hinterland.
According to security officials, the two battalions will be stationed in Samba and near the Jammu-Punjab border.
A senior officer was quoted by a local media outlet as saying, "Two high-level meetings, one in Delhi and another in Jammu, led to the decision to reinforce BSF deployment in Jammu.”
Initially, there was a proposal to move these battalions to Chhattisgarh to intensify anti-Naxal operations. However, given the current security scenario, it was deemed more critical to redirect them to Jammu.
This redeployment comes in the wake of multiple terror attacks across Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda districts this year, resulting in the deaths of 22 people, including 11 security personnel. Last month, five terrorists were killed in encounters in Kathua and Doda districts.
The battalions are being withdrawn from Malkangiri and Koraput districts in Odisha under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs' directive.
The Jammu area, known for its vulnerability due to cross-border tunnels and challenging terrain, is an ideal ground for terrorist operations.
The infrastructure for this "second line" deployment will be developed over the next few months and years.
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