BSF DG DK Pathak on Friday said there have been “substantial increase” in cross border firing along the Western border even as there have been “desperate and daring” bids by terrorists from Pakistani to infiltrate the frontier.
Pathak said the BSF has foiled 62 infiltration attempts by Pakistani terrorists on the international boundary (IB) from January to till date. The figure for the entire 2014 was 48. The IB stretches from Akhnoor in Jammu region to Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
Talking to reporters here ahead of BSF’s 50th raising day, he also said the cross border firing along the Western frontier was largely aimed at pushing the terrorists inside the country.
Pathak, heading a 2.5 lakh personnel strong force, expressed “concern” over the reports of collaboration between the dreaded terror group ISIS and certain other military organisations but maintained that the force is seized of the concerns and the development is being closely watched. He also said counter measures are being taken.
“We find desperation on their part as they are making very daring bids to cross over but somehow they have not been successful,” he said. Pathak said whatever challenges were thrown to “us by our Western neighbour” were retaliated very effectively and none of their nefarious designs, none of their mischievous adventure, were allowed to succeed.
“There has been substantial increase in cross border firings. There have been attempts to infiltrate during cross border firings. The purpose of cross border firing was to infiltrate,” he said.
He said after the recent DG-level talks between India and Pakistan, there have been cross border firings on three occasions. The DG said the channel of communication established after talks with his Pak counterpart has helped in resolving the confusion swiftly.