Punjab: The Border Security Force (BSF) of India has expressed dissatisfaction and lodged protest with the Pakistan Rangers regarding the display of a large photograph of Kashmiri Hurriyat leader late Syed Ali Shah Geelani at the joint integrated check post (JICP) on the Pakistani side of the Attari-Wagah border, The New Indian Express reported.
The BSF considers this display inappropriate as the JICP area is designated for ceremonial purposes, not political displays, and has urged for the photograph’s removal.
Quoting a senior senior BSF official, who wished to remain anonymous, the report said that Pakistan’s action appears aimed at influencing international perceptions during events like the Beat-the-Retreat Ceremony, potentially escalating tensions around the Kashmir issue.
To display the Kashmiri leader’s picture, could be part of Pakistan’s strategy to bolster support for the separatist movement amid heightened militant incidents and forthcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the report said further quoitng the official.
Additionally, the BSF has heightened vigilance in the Punjab sector against drone activities used for ‘smuggling drugs and weapons’ from across the border.
They have already seized 120 drones this year, an increase from 107 last year, and are constructing culverts along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers to enhance border deployment. The BSF is also expanding its intelligence operations and forming a mounted unit of female troops to reinforce border patrols.
