Jammu, Sep 08 (KNO): The Border Security Force (BSF) has kept all sectors along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts under continuous surveillance despite extensive damage to fencing and posts caused by recent floods in the Chenab, Basantar, and their tributaries.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that troops have been stationed on elevated areas and are using drones, night vision devices, and boat patrols to monitor border activity. “No section of the border has been left unattended. Every vulnerable area is under observation,” a senior BSF officer said.
"We have mobilised the latest technology, including drones, digital surveillance systems, and other monitoring equipment, to ensure uninterrupted observation of all sectors. Our personnel remain deployed on high ground, carrying out continuous patrols, maintaining strict vigilance at every vulnerable point to prevent infiltration and secure the border, despite the challenging conditions caused by the floods," they said.
Meanwhile, during the intervening night of September 7-8, BSF personnel arrested a Pakistani national attempting to cross the border near Suchetgarh in Jammu district. “Troops observed suspicious movement close to the border fence. Despite repeated warnings, the individual did not stop, and we had to take him into custody,” the BSF said.
The arrested man identified himself as Siraaj Khan, son of Zahid Khan from village 27 Chak, tehsil Bhalwal, district Sargodha, Pakistan. Questioning is ongoing, and preliminary reports suggest that he was assigned to survey the border areas affected by the floods.
Following the arrest, BSF lodged a formal protest with the Pakistani Rangers. “We have informed our counterparts about the breach. Allowing anyone to cross the IB during these conditions is a violation of protocols,” the BSF said.
Despite the floods causing partial damage to fencing, BSF sources said no sector has been left unguarded. “We are conducting continuous patrolling, both by foot and boat, and monitoring all flood-affected stretches with aerial surveillance. Floods do not stop our responsibility to secure the border,” it added.
It also said that high ground deployment, combined with surveillance tools, ensures operational readiness. Additional teams are on standby to reinforce weakened sections, while continuous coordination with local administration helps maintain safety in flood-affected areas.
BSF officials maintained that vigilance will continue until normalcy is restored in all sectors. “Even in challenging conditions, the border will remain secure, and any attempt to exploit the situation will be intercepted,” said another officer—(KNO)