Punjab border security operations yield record seizures as militant activities escalate
AMRITSAR — The Border Security Force’s Punjab Frontier has reported a dramatic increase in drone-dropped weapons from Pakistan since India’s Operation Sindoor in May, raising fresh concerns about militant resupply efforts along the volatile international border.
Atul Fulzel, Inspector General of the BSF’s Punjab Frontier, made the revelation while addressing reporters on the eve of the BSF’s 61st Foundation Day, warning that the uptick represents a significant escalation in cross-border weapon smuggling attempts.
Escalation Following Military Operations
Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Army on May 7, targeted nine terrorist bases across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The strikes hit key militant strongholds including Bahawalpur, a Jaish-e-Mohammed bastion, and Muridke, a Lashkar-e-Taiba training facility.
Pakistan responded with retaliatory attacks on Indian military installations and intensive border shelling that persisted for three days. In the aftermath, Pakistan has intensified efforts to supply weapons to militant networks operating in Punjab, according to BSF officials.
Record Seizures in 2024
Despite the challenging security environment, the BSF has intercepted substantial quantities of contraband along the 553-kilometer border shared between Punjab and Pakistan across six districts—Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, and Fazilka.
This year, the force has seized 272 drones and recovered over 200 weapons of various types, predominantly pistols alongside multiple AK-47 rifles. Additional weapons and ordnance recovered include 265 magazines, 3,625 live ammunition rounds, 10 kilograms of explosives, and 12 hand grenades.
Major Narcotics Bust
The BSF’s counter-narcotics operations have yielded equally impressive results. Officers seized 367.788 kilograms of heroin, 19,033 kilograms of methamphetamine (ICE), and 14.437 kilograms of opium, reflecting the interconnected challenges of militant financing and drug trafficking across the border.
Arrests and Neutralizations
In personnel operations, the BSF apprehended 18 Pakistani nationals, three Bangladeshis, and four Nepalis attempting to cross the border, along with 251 Indian suspects involved in smuggling and trafficking activities. Three Pakistani infiltrators were neutralized during border skirmishes.
Ongoing Vigilance
IG Fulzel emphasized that the Punjab Frontier BSF remains fully committed to border security and counter-narcotics operations. He noted that the force has also played a vital role in internal security, law and order maintenance, and electoral duties across multiple states.
The escalating drone weapon smuggling reflects a broader pattern of militant groups attempting to circumvent traditional ground-based smuggling routes, presenting fresh operational challenges for border security forces in their ongoing battle against cross-border terrorism and organized crime.
The BSF’s Punjab Frontier guards one of India’s most sensitive borders, facing persistent threats from transnational criminal networks and militant organizations operating from sanctuaries across the international boundary.
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