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BSF ROLE IN CI OPERATIONS IN KASHMIR – A GLANCE
Plays key role in fighting with landmark successes – wins hearts and minds of the public
Srinagar 11 September 2005. BSF, which raised on 1st Dec 1965, is guarding the borders with a commitment to promote a sense of security among the public, has diversified its role in order to contain insurgency in J&K and North – East. BSF has been deployed in Kashmir valley since 1965. However, it took up a critical role of fighting the militancy since 1990 shoulder to shoulder with a Gallant force like J&K Police. BSF got baptized by taking part in 1971 War with laurels and then engaged in fighting militancy in J&K. In pursuance of the GoM decision, BSF has been directed to look after basic duties of Border guarding, handing over this CI Ops to CRPF, an equally versatile force. Consequently 08 Battalions were de-inducted in 2003 from Srinagar North and 09 Battalions in this month from rest of Srinagar and Anantanag District. After achieving the immediate aim of dousing the flames of militancy, it was quid pro quo for BSF with sting of successes. Initially BSF inducted 06 Bns in 1990 to tackle militancy which ultimately rose to 34 Bns from 1993 onwards. After this partial de-induction, the BSF would still continue to be on CI Ops role for some time more with 11 Bns.
The landmark successes of BSF in the recent past include killing of as many as 38 militant leaders of top hierarchical level, notable being Gazi Baba, the Jaish Chief,Rashid Bhai code Suhail Bhai, Janbaz, Dy Ops Chief of Jaish, Manzoor Zahid Choudhary (mastermind of Akshardham attack), Ghulam Hassan Khan @ Saiful Islam, Dy Supreme Chief and Ops Comdr of HM, Mohd Yousuf Hazam, Comn Chief IIM, Shaukat Ahmed Gani @ Crush India, HM Ghulam Mustafa Jata, JKFF and Abu Umair of LET, involved in Nadimarg Attack. BSF had been instrumental in eliminating the top hierarchy of HM, LET, JEM etc. The elimination of Gazi Baba the terrorist of decade was a turning point in the canvas of anti terrorist ops. With these calibrated in surgical operations, BSF has proved to be a force “Excelled by few and equaled by none”. To its credit in kashmir valley BSF had killed 2653 militants including 1016 foreigners (mostly Pakistanis), apprehended 9735 which includes senior militant leaders like Ghulam Rasool Shah code General Abdullah present chief of Al-Badar, Maulana Masood Azhar, Chief of JeM and Mustaq Latram Zargar, Al-Umar. 928 militants surrendered before BSF tillAug 2005. The seizure includes 10707 arms of various type, approximate 9 lakhs ammunition of all varieties during the period from 1990 to Aug 2005.
Role of BSF in Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was a challenge with a difference in which both security and service was to be amalgamated. BSF by virtue of its assimilation with border population did not face any problem in carrying out the security duty in Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra since 1994 by providing route security, medical assistance and other social services. During this year also five Battalions were deployed on both axis i.e. Chandanwari to Holy cave and Baltal to Holy Cave by pressing into services the Dog Squads, QRT’s, electronic gadgets and more than that an effective surveillance system. In Amarnath Ji Yatra, BSF has focused its role towards medical aid which is as essential as security. We had deployed 12 Medical Officers assisted by 27 Para Medical staff, 04 mobile teams with medicines and equipments worth Rs. 06 lacs at critical points. The role of BSF medical staff was highly appreciated by the pilgrims. A total of 50473 yatries were treated on both the axis by BSF doctors and paramedical staff.
Elections Duties by BSF
The election duties were another challenge given to BSF. BSF provided security during 1996 Assembly elections in the sate. In the 2002, Assembly elections, BSF was made a nodal agency in entire valley. True to its traditions, it played a crucial role alongwith JKP and other SFs in the conduct of a free and fair election despite the threats BSF has sacrificed 25 lives of Jawans for carrying out this onerous task. This tradition and professional spirit was repeated during Parliamentary and Municipal elections.
VIP visits
It is to the credit of the BSF that flag hoisting was done amidst challenge by militants at Lal Chowk on 26 Jan 1992. This tradition was continued by BSF on every Independence Day and Republic Day. This year also despite serious threats, BSF played key role in ensuring incident free Independence Day. BSF made extra efforts in facilitating security cover alongwith JKP and other SFs during many VVIP visits like –President, Prime Minister, Home Minister and other VVIPs visits Srinagar and other place in the valley.
Assistance During Snowfall/Avalanches
While the entire south Kashmir was reeling under heavy snow fall during last winters, the BSF men were out on the road to extend a helping hand to the local civilians by deploying 06 Coys with 06 medical teams, 30 medical aid posts, 34 mobile medical groups. Besides clearing several road stretches in remote areas, BSF supplied ration, Kerosine Oil, medicines etc to the remote villages, thus saving many lives.
Civic Actions- Reach out to the Needy
While fighting militancy with an iron hand, BSF has also adopted a compassionate touch in the strategy by carrying out civic action programmes. On the civic action front BSF Kashmir adopted 10 schools providing them furniture items, stationery items, uniforms besides medical assistance.
Bharat Darshan Tour- Know your Country
Realising the need of winning the hearts and minds of the people, BSF Kashmir conducted Bharat Darshan Tour, covering up to Kanyakumari for the Kashmiri youth in the age group of 10-15 giving a wide exposure about the nation. So far 330 children from various parts of Kashmir including children of victims of militancy, children from remote area and from poor families have availed this opportunity.
BSF Role in Srinagar-Muzaffrabad Bus Service
BSF played vital role in ensuring incident free bus service from Srinagar to Muzaffrabad by deploying ROPs and corridor security covering a stretch of 94 Kms out of 148 Kms stretch by deploying 08 Coys of BSF.
Media Brotherhood
BSF has been successful in its operations right from 1990 not only due to its professionalism, leadership and intelligence but also due to its effective and working relationship with Media. BSF considered Media as a friend, guide and partner in all operations. It has been endeavour of BSF officers and men to be transparent, judicious and impartial in carrying out its operations, giving due consideration to human, social and emotional feelings of public. Media also played its role in highlighting the successes like Gazi Baba Ops, Green Way Hotel operation, Suleman Complex encounter, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Bharat Darshan Tour conducted by the force while at the same time sensitized them of the negative side effects.
Human face
BSF since its
induction in valley had recognized the aspect of human approach as since qua non
in its anti-militancy strategy. It has to change it strategy in tune with the
social behaviours and social structure. Thus, importance for human rights became
a part of the curriculum. While BSF was ruthless against the militants, its
attitude towards public, innocent, children , women and elders and quite
sympathetic, accommodative and co-operative. The training programme of all
Jawans and officers included topics relating to human rights by eminent
personalities and agencies.
There is no gain saying that the Human Right Violation cases against BSF has been lowest among on the SFs and BSF did have no compunction in punishing the guilty.
One of the principles followed by BSF in its operations is avoidance of collateral damage and if compelled to do so, to be minimal. This is one of the strong points which helped the BSF troops in carrying out their operations in a most surgical manner.
Roll of Honour
The success story of BSF is incomplete without mentioning the heroes of the actions who laid down their lives in fighting militancy. The BSF has to sacrifice the lives of 697 bodermen, with injuries to 3733 in the valley alone. Thus the success for BSF did not come on a platter. As far as Kashmir Valley is concerned, several BSF gallant officers and men have been awarded prestigious awards/decorations which includesPadmashri-01, Kirti Chakra-03 and Shaurya Chakar-01. Besides these 74BSF gallant Officers and men have been awarded President’s Police Medal for Gallantry and 212 BSF Officers and men were awarded Police Medal of Gallantry during the years 1990 to 2005. Thus, BSF believes that it should not follow where the path may lead but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
The BSF after going through this trial and tribulation played its pivotal role in bringing the situation to the current normalcy level mainly due to its training, high sense of professionalism, intelligence set up and esprit de corps. Another key factor for the success of the BSF was the cooperation extended by the JKP, the Army and other SFs besides excellent back up by state administration, cooperation from public and media.
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