How Prepared is the BSF Along the Indo-Bangla Border with Tripura?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Visit by BSF ADG emphasizes operational preparedness.
- Assessment of BOPs critical for border security.
- Tripura's border vulnerability is a significant concern.
- Close collaboration between BSF and Army enhances regional security.
- Ongoing training is vital for troop readiness.
Agartala, June 24 (NationPress) The Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF's Eastern Command, located in Kolkata, conducted a visit on Tuesday to various Border Outposts (BOPs) and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Agartala-Akhaura. During this visit, he engaged in discussions with field commanders and jawans to assess their operational readiness, as reported by an official.
A representative from the BSF stated that senior IPS officer Aggarwal was greeted at the Agartala airport upon his arrival for a four-day visit to Tripura by Ashwani Kumar Sharma, the Inspector General (IG) of the BSF Tripura frontier. After reaching the BSF frontier headquarters, the ADG received a Guard of Honour. Subsequently, he was updated on various operational challenges and key strategic topics by IG Sharma.
“The ADG inspected BOP Bhagalpur, BOP Lankamura, and the ICP Agartala-Akhaura (along the India-Bangladesh border) to evaluate operational preparedness and engage with field commanders and jawans,” the spokesman stated.
With an extensive 856 km border with Bangladesh, Tripura is bordered on three sides by the neighboring country, rendering the northeastern state particularly vulnerable to cross-border migration issues. Except for certain sections, most of the border has been secured with fencing to deter smuggling, trans-border crimes, and illegal movements by infiltrators and hostile elements.
This visit from a senior BSF official to Tripura followed closely on the heels of a visit by a high-ranking Army officer. Major General S.S. Kartikeya, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army, reviewed the combat training of troops at an Army training facility in Tripura last week.
According to Defence spokesman Lt Col Amit Shukla, during his visit, the GOC observed a variety of intense training programs being conducted by the troops, such as jungle warfare, firing drills, drone operations, obstacle navigation, and special operations. This training facility has played a crucial role in enhancing the soldiers' skills in terrain-specific warfare and technological integration in the northeastern region, according to the spokesman.
After the demonstrations, the General Officer interacted with the soldiers and commended their dedication, adaptability to new technologies, and remarkable physical and mental resilience.
Major General Kartikeya praised the troops for their professionalism and discipline, encouraging all ranks to maintain their pursuit of excellence. This visit highlights the Army's ongoing commitment to enhancing capacity, operational readiness, and troop motivation in demanding operational conditions.