With New Year celebrations approaching, security agencies have heightened vigilance in Punjab’s Pathankot and the neighbouring Kathua district of J&K, as both areas lie close to the International Border with Pakistan.
Police, in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army, have launched extensive security operations that include intensified patrolling, vehicle checks, and area domination exercises in border villages and around key installations. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pathankot, Daljinder Singh Dhillon, said on December 28 that night patrols have also been strengthened and special checkpoints set up at strategic locations.
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The heightened alert is rooted in the region’s troubled security history. Pathankot has remained a prime target for terror activities. On December 31, 2015, four heavily armed terrorists, suspected to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, crossed the International Border in Army fatigues. After hiding for a day, they attacked the Pathankot Air Force Base on January 2, 2016. All four were neutralised after a prolonged operation. Earlier, on July 27, 2015, terrorists had attacked the Dinanagar police station in Gurdaspur district. In both cases, it is believed that the attackers infiltrated India by exploiting riverine gaps along the border.
Dhillon said security forces are fully prepared for any eventuality. “In view of the New Year celebrations, we are on alert mode. Routine security checks and special operations are being carried out in coordination with the BSF and the Army,” he said, adding that police teams are closely monitoring the activities of suspected individuals to ensure public safety.
Similarly, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma said additional security measures have been implemented in the district. “Some people have been rounded up for questioning as part of preventive steps, though no arrests have been made so far,” she clarified.
Meanwhile, intelligence sources said a few persons from the Gujjar community, who have temporary settlements (deras) close to the International Border, were detained for detailed questioning. They are suspected of having possible links with individuals across the border. Officials, however, stressed that the action is purely precautionary and based on intelligence inputs.
