NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in India has revealed that anti-national elements and smugglers are increasingly using drones for smuggling arms and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. The use of drones has become a concerning trend, with 53 such incidents detected in the last three years. While the infiltration levels in Jammu and Kashmir have declined, Pakistan continues to use technology, such as drones, to ferry weapons and drugs into India. This strategy of reducing footprints and adopting new methods poses a challenge for India’s security forces in curbing terrorist violence.
According to the MHA, the use of drones for smuggling has escalated in recent years. The drones provide anti-national elements and smugglers with a means to transport arms and narcotics across the border discreetly, making it difficult for authorities to trace the source back to Pakistan. This shift in tactics by Pakistan indicates its intent to keep terrorism alive in the region, using modern technology to avoid detection and accountability.
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In response to the growing threat of drone smuggling, the Indian government has implemented several measures to strengthen border security. The Border Security Force (BSF) is deployed round the clock to dominate the borders and conduct surveillance, patrolling, and laying of nakas (checkpoints). The local police are immediately alerted upon detecting any drone movement. The general public in border areas has also been sensitised to identify and report suspicious UAV and drone activities to the authorities.
To counter rogue drones effectively, the MHA has established the Anti Rogue Drone Technology Committee (ARDTC) under the supervision of the DG BSF. This committee is tasked with evaluating and certifying the effectiveness of technology to counter rogue drones and protect against potential security threats posed by such devices.
The government’s proactive counter-insurgency operations against terrorists, identification, and arrest of over-ground supporters of terrorists, and intensified Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) have led to a decline in terrorist incidents. In the first six months of this year, only 26 terror-related incidents were reported, compared to 125 incidents in the same period last year. However, the government remains vigilant, taking multi-tiered deployment, border fencing, intelligence gathering, and other measures to prevent infiltration attempts and thwart terrorist activities.
The increase in drone smuggling of arms and narcotics across the India-Pakistan border poses significant security challenges for India. The government’s efforts to enhance border security, adopt advanced technology, and engage the public in reporting suspicious activities are crucial in countering this evolving threat. As India continues its fight against terrorism, effective collaboration between security forces and intelligence agencies remains essential to maintain peace and stability in the region.
