Photo by Maninder Sidhu on Unsplash
The India-Pakistan border, including the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) has mostly been fenced over the years to prevent illegal crossings and infiltration. However, while much has been done, the effort to make this barrier more secure and high-tech continues to evolve. Here's a closer look at the current status of the fencing, the challenges faced, and what lies ahead.
Since 2014, the Indian government has taken greater steps to improve the strength and coverage of the border fence. Special attention has been given to vulnerable sections, especially in the riverine regions of Jammu where water bodies make traditional fencing difficult. The goal has been to fill these gaps using advanced technology.
The Launch of CIBMS: A Technological Leap
After the deadly terrorist attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016, the government launched an ambitious project called the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS). This system aims to modernize border security by using cutting-edge surveillance tools.
CIBMS uses a wide variety of technologies including:
- Thermal imagers and infra-red devices to detect heat signatures,
- Laser-based alarms to alert security forces of any movement,
- Aerostats (large balloon-like devices) for aerial monitoring,
- Ground sensors to track movement without human presence,
Radars and sonar systems are especially useful near rivers, and fibre-optic cables to transmit real-time surveillance data. All this information is sent back to a central control system where security personnel can monitor and respond to threats quickly.
Still a Work in Progress
Despite these advances, the project is far from complete. Back in 2016, then Home Minister Rajnath Singh promised that the border would be completely sealed by the end of 2018. However, as of December 2023, the fencing was still not fully finished. Home Minister Amit Shah has now pushed the deadline to December 2025. One of the main reasons for the delay is the lack of availability of some of the advanced technologies needed. In addition, there have been some issues with inconsistent and impractical planning.
Unusual and Impractical Proposals
After the Pathankot attack, several ideas were discussed to strengthen security at hard-to-fence areas like rivers. One unusual suggestion was to set up motorized pulleys that would move a soldier back and forth across river gaps. This idea was rejected—rightly so—because if the motor failed, the soldier would be left hanging and helpless, making him an easy target.
The recent attack in Pahalgam highlights the importance of security concerns and how it’s a false narrative that the removal of Article 370 will lead to a decrease in terrorist activities. It is these times when the Kashmir youths are even manipulated and brainwashed into stone pelting and then, further, they cause disturbance andthe economy of Kashmir gets totally, disrupted. This exercise keeps happening and it is like a vicious cycle.
Nature’s Harsh Tests at the LoC
In areas along the LoC, the fencing faces major challenges due to harsh weather, especially during winter. Snowfall in these regions can reach upto 15 feet, which damages nearly one-third of the fence every year. Retired Lt. General D.S. Hooda, who led the Northern Command of the Indian Army had explained that the barbed-wire fencing often gets crushed and bent under heavy snow. Fixing it can take upto four months because the materials must be carried across difficult mountain terrain. This delay leaves temporary gaps, which can be taken advantage of by terrorists trying to sneak in.
The Final Line of Defense: Human Vigilance
Even with high-end fencing and surveillance, terrorists have sometimes managed to cut through all three layers of the border fence. This shows that technology alone cannot stop infiltration. The most effective defense remains alert and well-trained personnel who can quickly detect and respond to any breach.
While India has made impressive strides in securing its border with Pakistan, especially with the introduction of modern surveillance systems, the mission is not yet complete. Nature, technology limitations, and impractical planning all pose serious challenges. At the end of the day, a combination of reliable technology and dedicated personnel will be crucial in safeguarding the nation’s borders.
An Unsettling Calm: Questions Arise Over Early Tourist Access to Baisaran Valley
A hotel owner from Pahalgam, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the popular tourist destination Baisaran Valley was opened to visitors on April 20—only two days before a tragic attack took place in the area. According to him, this was highly unusual. In normal circumstances, Baisaran Valley only becomes accessible in June, mainly to accommodate pilgrims travelling for the annual Amarnath Yatra. The reason behind this early opening remains a mystery, and the decision has left many questioning the administration’s judgment.
Security Norms Ignored in Sensitive Season
During the Amarnath pilgrimage, Pahalgam and nearby regions are typically under tight security to prevent any kind of threat. This period usually sees increased vigilance and a strong presence of security forces. However, the hotelier emphasized that when the recent attack occurred in Baisaran, there was not a single security officer in sight. This shocking lack of protection has raised concerns about negligence on the part of the local authorities.
Mehraj Din, who works as a pony ride operator and frequently travels the path to Baisaran with tourists, confirmed that there were absolutely no safety measures in place. “There were no security checkpoints, no patrolling teams—nothing at all,” he said. He criticized the administration for failing to ensure the basic safety of visitors. In his words, “Leaving tourists unprotected like this is a serious failure. If the government cannot provide safety, it should not be promoting the idea that everything is normal.”
Tour Operators Criticize Narrative of Normalcy
A tour operator based in Srinagar also expressed frustration and concern. He said that the government seems more focused on projecting a political image of peace and normal life, rather than taking real steps to secure tourist zones. This push for a “normalcy” narrative, according to him, is not supported by actual ground conditions, especially when security is compromised in places that see heavy tourist footfall.
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