Srinagar, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Border Security Force (BSF) has assumed a multi-faceted role throughout 2025 in Kashmir. Their responsibilities encompass anti-terrorism operations, safeguarding the Line of Control (LoC), ensuring the safety of civilians and military convoys, civic duties, monitoring cross-border drone activities, and collaborating closely with the Army, J&K Police, and various other agencies.

During a press conference held in Budgam on Monday, in response to an inquiry from IANS, Inspector General of BSF Frontier Kashmir, Ashok Yadav, stated, "We have gathered intelligence indicating that following Operation Sindoor, terrorists have relocated their launching pads due to extensive damage inflicted."

The Inspector General further elaborated during the press conference, noting, "BSF units have been tasked with securing critical national installations and ensuring the safety of the people in Kashmir, in close collaboration with J&K Police, sister organizations, and the local populace.

"Several BSF units are also stationed in North Kashmir for Anti-Infiltration operations in the districts of Baramulla and Handwara, where they have effectively dominated their areas, facilitating secure passage for security force convoys and civil traffic.

"Despite facing numerous challenges such as severe weather, rugged mountainous terrain, difficult living conditions, and ongoing threats of BAT actions, sniper fire, cease-fire violations, and Fidayeen attacks, courageous BSF personnel remain undeterred in their mission to secure the LoC alongside the Army with unwavering dedication. The year 2025-26 has seen a multitude of operational successes achieved through close cooperation with the Army and other associated agencies," stated the Inspector General.

He highlighted that the BSF, in conjunction with the Army, has successfully ensured effective control over the LoC, resulting in the neutralization of all infiltration attempts from the Kashmir Valley this year. The force has also played a crucial role in maintaining a robust security grid in the hinterland, particularly during the SANJY Yatra-2025.

“The most notable accomplishment for the BSF in 2025-26 has been Operation Sindoor, the initial phase of which occurred from May 6 to 10. BSF units, together with the Indian Army, executed precise fire assaults on Pakistani positions and terrorist launching pads along the LoC, demonstrating strong and effective response capabilities. All BSF units in the Kashmir Frontier, including artillery regiments, conducted intense and accurate shelling, inflicting significant casualties on Pakistani troops and damaging their forward posts, as well as destroying several terrorist launching pads along the LoC," the IG remarked.

He noted that the BSF's professional and impactful actions against adversaries during Operation Sindoor received commendation from the Prime Minister of India, the Union Home Minister, the Union Defence Minister, and leaders of various security agencies. The BSF Kashmir Frontier was recognized for its rapid and precise responses under challenging conditions and intense enemy fire, underscoring its capabilities in high-altitude warfare. The operation showcased the BSF's meticulous planning, preparedness, firepower, and strategic contributions to national security in the Kashmir Valley.

In addition to Operation Sindoor, the BSF, in coordination with the Army, effectively dominated the LoC, leading to the neutralization of eight terrorists across four infiltration attempts during 2025.

The force also conducted 22 joint operations with the Indian Army, RR, JKP, and CRPF along the LoC and within the hinterland, neutralizing terrorists in North Kashmir and recovering a substantial cache of military-grade supplies, including AK-47 rifles, MP-5 rifles, pistols, hand grenades, UBGL, UBGL grenades, Chinese grenades, MGL, and various types of ammunition. The G Branch of the BSF has also significantly contributed to gathering essential operational intelligence on terrorist movements and activities, he added.

“Our G unit is closely monitoring the 69 active launching pads along the LoC, where approximately 100-120 terrorists are poised to infiltrate. Concurrently, various terrorist training camps are under investigation by our intelligence division. In response to the tragic Pahalgam attack on tourists, specially trained BSF CI/CT teams were deployed in the Gulmarg Bowl to ensure the safety of this tourist destination alongside J&K Police. The CI/CT teams in Gulmarg have been executing their duties with professionalism and effectiveness, providing a secure environment for visiting tourists," Ashok Yadav stated.

“During Operation Mahadev, BSF units and specially trained frontier CI/CT teams collaborated with Gandarbal SOG, CRPF, and RR to dominate the higher ridges of the northern flank of the Mahadev ranges, establishing temporary operational bases and playing a critical role in obstructing potential routes for terrorists from the Mahadev ranges towards Gandarbal and Bandipore. This joint operation culminated in neutralizing a group of terrorists on July 28," he explained.

During the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra - 2025, the BSF, in conjunction with J&K Police, played a vital role in ensuring the safety of pilgrims in the districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal, guaranteeing an incident-free pilgrimage. A total of 128 companies of the BSF, along with other security forces, were deployed to safeguard the yatris. The BSF also set up special mountain rescue teams equipped for disaster response and emergency medical services along the pedestrian routes. Furthermore, four medical camps and three veterinary camps were established to provide immediate medical assistance and humanitarian support to pilgrims, porters, and ponies.

The BSF IG remarked, “In a significant step towards gender equality and involving women from border villages as partners, BSF Kashmir Frontier has initiated the deployment of Mahila Troops in forward defended localities (FDLs) along the LoC at high altitudes and at 24/7 checkpoints on roads approaching the LoC, to intercept female couriers and supporters of terrorist outfits/smuggling networks. Our Mahila troops have earned the trust of the women in border villages and are playing a crucial role in countering anti-national activities in collaboration with local women.

He added that in light of evolving warfare tactics globally and threats along India’s borders, the BSF has been focused on modernizing the force and incorporating new technology in partnership with leading defense research institutes, premier technology and engineering institutions, as well as public and private sectors.

“Recently, the DG BSF inaugurated the BSF Drone Warfare School at the BSF Academy in Gwalior, aimed at enhancing the force's offensive and defensive drone capabilities. This facility is training officers and personnel in drone design, weaponization, jamming systems, AI, and modern combat techniques. Additionally, new Drone Forensic Labs have been established in Delhi and Amritsar for training and research on drone and anti-drone technologies. The BHUMI initiative represents a move towards harnessing innovations from Indian startups to address challenges such as drone detection and neutralization, tunnel identification, and alternative communication systems. Digital initiatives like the NIELIT partnership focus on training personnel to combat cyber threats," he stated.

The newly launched BSF Para Jumping Course aims to train officers and personnel for executing special operations in mountainous and jungle environments. The frontier has also implemented numerous initiatives to enhance defenses and infrastructure at FDLs to provide a better operational environment and living conditions for the Jawans. The BSF has integrated new surveillance equipment and weaponry, including advanced night surveillance and combat capabilities, to prepare its troops for emerging challenges along the LoC and in the hinterland.

“Significant emphasis is placed on training troops to dominate the LoC and address emerging infiltration challenges, BAT actions, and hostilities from the enemy. Under the Civic Action Programme, the BSF regularly organizes various events benefiting the border population, including skill development programs, Bharat Darshan Tours for school children from remote border areas, free medical camps, veterinary camps, blood donation drives, pre-recruitment training programs, and awareness initiatives on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan," Yadav stated.

He noted that these initiatives have effectively engaged the border populace as partners in national security. Furthermore, to enhance synergy and cooperation with the local community, particularly among women and youth, a Mega Cycle Rally covering 79 km was organized by the BSF Kashmir Frontier on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebration under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat’ on August 12.

“Additionally, on October 12, the BSF Kashmir Frontier hosted the Wular Half Marathon 2.0 as part of the ‘Khelo India Scheme’s Fit India Initiative. The BSF also plays a pivotal role in disaster response, rescue, and relief operations for the civilian population. In this capacity, the BSF rescued four local tourists from Sopore on August 24, who were trapped near Razdhan pass due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Furthermore, on October 7 and November 5, BSF troops rescued 11 civilians stranded in heavy snowfall in different areas of the Shamshabari range. The BSF has frequently been the first responder in assisting civilians during incidents such as fires and road accidents in border regions. We are committed to serving the people of Kashmir, and ensuring their well-being remains our top priority," the IG BSF concluded.