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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
BSF recovers suspected spy drone near Jaisalmer's Longewala border
Jaisalmer: The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel recovered a suspicious spy drone Thursday near the Longewala border adjoining Jaisalmer. The operation was conducted by the G Branch in the sensitive area close to the India-Pakistan border. The drone, equipped with a high-efficiency camera, raised concerns about potential intelligence gathering on Indian military and BSF activities. M L Garg, Inspector General of BSF Rajasthan Frontier, confirmed the recovery. He said, "A thorough investigation is currently underway to determine whether the drone was flown from within Indian territory or launched from across the border." Garg added that the camera on the drone is also being examined. According to official sources, the BSF G Branch received a secret tip-off about a suspicious drone with a camera that fell near the border Thursday. Senior BSF officials responded promptly, seized the drone, and initiated an investigation. Given that the drone is manufactured in China, officials believe it is less likely that it was operated locally within Indian territory. The Longewala region, a highly sensitive area and the site of a battlefield during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, hosts a year-round military presence from both the army and BSF. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 100% Online, Flexible Learning BITS Pilani Digital Apply Now Undo BSF vigilance extends approximately 15 km from the international borders. It is speculated that Pakistan may have launched this spy drone across the border to gather information on the movements and activities of Indian security forces in the area. During Operation Sindoor, a significant Indian military presence was maintained in Longewala, during which Pakistan conducted various espionage drone activities and other nefarious actions from across the border. The seized suspected drone will be sent to the Drone Forensic Lab, New Delhi to extract information regarding its origin and flight path. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Mint
30-06-2025
- Mint
Pakistani nationals, both minors, found dead near Indo-Pak border in Jaisalmer; cops recover ‘suspicious' items
The bodies of two minor Pakistani nationals were found within Indian territory near the Indo-Pak international border in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district on Saturday, police said. According to a Hindustan Times report, the bodies were spotted by a local approximately 11 kilometres from the border in Gajasar village. The authorities were alerted, following which a police team and Border Security Force (BSF) troops reached the spot, BSF inspector general ML Garg said. 'The dead bodies of two minors have been recovered from Jaisalmer's Gajasar village on Saturday noon. Some documents recovered from them revealed that both are Pakistani nationals,' the HT reported Garg as saying. According to the police, seeing the degree and extent of decomposition, it appears that the two died about a week ago, news agency PTI reported. Preliminary investigation suggested that the two minors may have died due to dehydration, police said. The bodies were sent to the mortuary at Ramgarh Hospital for postmortem. Documents recovered from the bodies revealed that the boy was born in 2008 and the girl in 2010. A Pakistani sim card was also recovered from the bodies, the HT report said. An investigation is underway to determine how the two minors managed to cross the heavily guarded international border and the circumstances that led to their deaths. 'We are also examining the direction of their movement and any possible motive behind the border crossing,' Garg said. Inspector General of Police (Jodhpur Range) Vikash Kumar said that several suspicious and sensitive items were recovered from the two bodies, including some technical equipment, as reported by HT. Calling the case 'extremely sensitive', Kumar said, 'Several suspicious and sensitive items have been recovered from them, including some technical equipment. We are still investigating if the couple crossed the international border or were already present on Indian soil.' The worst clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours in half a century erupted May 7, with both sides trading air, drone and missile strikes, as well as artillery and small-arms fire along their shared border. The clash was triggered by an attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district on April 22 that killed 26 civilians in what India called an act of terrorism orchestrated by Pakistan. Islamabad has denied involvement. India decisively asserted its military superiority over Pakistan during last month's brief but intense conflict, with its aerial strikes penetrating deep into Pakistani territory and delivering pinpoint blows to critical enemy infrastructure such as radar systems, control units, and airbases. India's Operation Sindoor underlined New Delhi's military superiority. During Operation Sindoor, India demonstrated that large-scale counter-terror operations could be carried out with surgical precision, even against a nuclear-armed adversary, without triggering significant escalation. (With inputs from agencies)
Time of India
09-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Border security boost: BSF unveils new uniforms; smart tech deployed on Pakistan, Bangladesh fronts
BSF troops to get new combat uniforms with digital pattern, smart fencing reinforced on International border areas JAISALMER: BSF soldiers stationed along the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to appear in a newly designed combat dress. The new uniform features a "digital pattern", similar to current designs in Army and CRPF uniforms Fabric materials have already arrived at BSF battalion and sector headquarters across the nation and are being tailored to fit each soldier. BSF Rajasthan Frontier Inspector General M L Garg, while on a visit to Jaisalmer's border areas, said Sunday that the composition of the previous uniform was a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The new outfit will comprise 80% cotton, 19% polyester, and 1% spandex, providing increased comfort, breathability, and flexibility under varying climatic conditions. The inclusion of spandex is intended to enhance stretchability and elasticity. With regard to colour, officials said the uniform will be 50% khaki, 45% green, and 5% brown. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to reinforce the Rajasthan border with smart fencing systems. In an initial phase, a four-kilometre segment of the Ghaggar flow area in Anupgarh, Sriganganagar district, was fenced anew. Given that heavy rainfall causes the Ghaggar river to flood the Gharsana and Anupgarh regions, traditional iron fencing proved inadequate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Consequently, a ten-foot-high, plastic-coated smart fence was erected along this stretch, minimising corrosion risk. The structure is flanked by cobra wire mesh on either side, hindering both climbing and crossing attempts. Additionally, advanced sensors fitted onto the smart fencing transmit alert signals upon detecting movement. Garg said work was ongoing on the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) in Rajasthan. New technology and monitoring equipment, including upgraded CCTVs and the latest surveillance devices, have been installed. Day and night cameras and intrusion detection systems will provide continuous updates to BSF personnel regarding border activities, he said. Garg also said that BSF had established its second major National Training Center for Dogs (NTCD) in Bikaner.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
BSF unveils digital pattern uniforms, smart fencing along int'l border areas
1 2 Jaisalmer: BSF soldiers stationed along the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to appear in a newly designed combat dress. The new uniform features a "digital pattern", similar to current designs in Army and CRPF uniforms Fabric materials have already arrived at BSF battalion and sector headquarters across the nation and are being tailored to fit each soldier. BSF Rajasthan Frontier Inspector General M L Garg, while on a visit to Jaisalmer's border areas, said Sunday that the composition of the previous uniform was a blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The new outfit will comprise 80% cotton, 19% polyester, and 1% spandex, providing increased comfort, breathability, and flexibility under varying climatic conditions. The inclusion of spandex is intended to enhance stretchability and elasticity. With regard to colour, officials said the uniform will be 50% khaki, 45% green, and 5% brown. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to reinforce the Rajasthan border with smart fencing systems. In an initial phase, a four-kilometre segment of the Ghaggar flow area in Anupgarh, Sriganganagar district, was fenced anew. Given that heavy rainfall causes the Ghaggar river to flood the Gharsana and Anupgarh regions, traditional iron fencing proved inadequate. Consequently, a ten-foot-high, plastic-coated smart fence was erected along this stretch, minimising corrosion risk. The structure is flanked by cobra wire mesh on either side, hindering both climbing and crossing attempts. Additionally, advanced sensors fitted onto the smart fencing transmit alert signals upon detecting movement. Garg said work was ongoing on the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) in Rajasthan. New technology and monitoring equipment, including upgraded CCTVs and the latest surveillance devices, have been installed. Day and night cameras and intrusion detection systems will provide continuous updates to BSF personnel regarding border activities, he said. Garg also said that BSF had established its second major National Training Center for Dogs (NTCD) in Bikaner.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
BSF Rajasthan IG interview: ‘Nothing unexpected (during Op Sindoor) except sheer volume of drones, missiles launched by Pakistan'
Operation Sindoor significantly unsettled Pakistani security forces as India conducted targeted strikes on terrorist camps across the border. Speaking to Parul Kulshrestha, Inspector General M L Garg of the Border Security Force (Rajasthan Frontier) discussed the evolving situation along the western border and the BSF's strategic response. Garg emphasized that India exercised restraint by not targeting civilian or military infrastructure. In contrast, Pakistan launched drones and missiles aimed at both military installations and civilian populations — many of which were successfully intercepted and neutralized in mid-air. What were the major challenges during Operation Sindoor? Were there any unexpected hurdles? There was nothing unexpected, except for the sheer volume of drones and missiles that Pakistan launched toward our border regions. In total, 413 drones were sent targeting military and civilian areas in Rajasthan, particularly in Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. All of them were successfully intercepted and neutralized. We were fully prepared for such a scenario. What preparations were made by the BSF before Operation Sindoor was launched? The Director General of BSF and the central government had instructed us to stay prepared — not for full-scale war but for escalating tensions between the two nations. Anti-drone systems had already been installed by the BSF, Army, and Air Force. We were on high alert, especially after the events of May 7, when Pakistan responded aggressively following our targeted strikes on terrorist camps. Our operations were precise — we avoided civilian and military infrastructure. In contrast, Pakistan responded indiscriminately, targeting civilian areas. India reserves the right to respond to terrorism, and Pakistan's haphazard drone attacks showed a disregard for innocent lives. You mentioned during the May 26 press conference that India did not evacuate border villages, whereas Pakistan did. Why was that? India acted with restraint and precision. Our strikes were limited to preventing militant activity. In the event of shelling, we had bunkers ready for civilian protection, but that level of response wasn't necessary. Pakistani drones were intercepted in the air, eliminating the need to move villagers. We prioritized security while maintaining calm. There have been reports of sleeper cells and espionage in border villages. How is BSF addressing this issue? Yes, there have been cases of Indian nationals in border villages acting as informants for Pakistan. With modern encrypted messaging apps, such activities are harder to detect. However, we closely monitor communications and behavior. These individuals are eventually identified and apprehended thanks to our surveillance and intelligence capabilities. Operation Sindoor presented a war-like scenario after decades. Will BSF update its border security strategy following this? Our long-standing preparedness helped us to manage the situation effectively. This operation has provided invaluable experience about how conflict situations may evolve. While our core strategy remains intact, we are continuously evaluating and implementing enhancements to strengthen our position further. How does managing the Rajasthan border compare to handling situations in Kashmir or Bengal? Each border presents unique challenges. The India-Bangladesh border sees more infiltration and narcotics smuggling, which are mostly economic crimes. Recent political changes in Bangladesh have influenced the nature of these issues. In Jammu & Kashmir, particularly along the Line of Control, ceasefire violations demand a more aggressive posture. Punjab and Rajasthan, being international borders, have seen weapon and drug drops aided by elements in Pakistan. Our approach varies by region, and we're constantly upgrading our capabilities to deal with such threats effectively. Are there plans to strengthen anti-drone systems on the western front to prevent narcotics smuggling? Yes. The central government is aware of the situation and is actively working on bolstering anti-drone capabilities to curb narcotic drops along the western border. How was the coordination between BSF, the Army, local police, and civil administration during Operation Sindoor? The BSF held the front lines, often just 150 meters from the international border. Coordination with the Army and Air Force was seamless. Civil administration and local populations extended full support. This is the beauty of India, we all become united when there is a threat to our nation. There was a lot of misinformation, including reports of cyberattacks, during Operation Sindoor. What's your take? Pakistan initially tried to downplay the operation but resorted to misinformation when the situation spiraled out of their control. Several government and civil websites faced cyber attacks. However, our cyber defence systems held firm. We ensured timely and accurate communication through official channels to prevent panic and misinformation. What message would you like to give to the public? Unity is our greatest strength. The public must trust the leadership and the armed forces. While some questioned Operation Sindoor, it's important to stand together during national crises. Our forces are dedicated to protecting every citizen, and we urge people to support and believe in the nation's efforts to maintain peace and security.
