This year, the Border Security Force (BSF) has spotted 186 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Punjab, 20 in Jammu and Rajasthan, and four in Gujarat along the international border with Pakistan – a significant increase from 2021.
According to BSF data, it is estimated that 47 UAVs were detected in Punjab in 2020, 64 in 2021, and 186 until October 15 of this year.
In Jammu, the numbers were 19 and 31 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, and 20 this year.
As per the BSF’s figures, 10 UAVs were spotted in Rajasthan in 2020, seven in 2021, and 20 this year; in Gujarat, one was reported in 2020, two the following year, and four so far in 2022,” a senior BSF official stated.
According to the Border Security Force, two drones were spotted along the Line of Control in Jammu in 2020 and 2021, while three were spotted in Kashmir in 2021 and two until October 15 this year.
A BSF official said that nearly all civilian killings in Jammu and Kashmir were committed with pistols, which drones from across the border had brought in.
During the course of its investigation into the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, Delhi Police found that Priyavrat, alias Fauzi, the alleged main shooter, had received a consignment of weapons, allegedly sent from Pakistan via drone. According to the police, the cargo included eight grenades, an under-barrel grenade launcher, nine electric detonators, and an AK-47, allegedly as a contingency plan in case they failed to kill Moosewala.
According to data, the BSF has shot down 11 quadrocopter drones along the border with Pakistan in the last 11 months. BSF investigators have discovered that drones are being used to transport heroin, grenades, codex wires, magazines, and ammunition. According to the official, “we have noticed a pattern – they normally send their drones, which are generally used by event management companies, when security personnel change shifts.
India will soon have its own technology to combat drones, as stated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last year.
According to a written reply by MoS (Home) Nityanand Rai to the Lok Sabha, the BSF has been successful in curbing drug smuggling and other contraband items due to its increased territorial jurisdiction. In the wake of technology like Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment (Drones), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, etc., the extension of BSF territorial jurisdiction in Punjab and several other States/UTs is intended to enable the BSF to perform its border guarding duties more effectively. Anti-national forces generally use the weapons to conduct surveillance, and smuggling weapons, narcotics, and fake Indian currency notes, as well as for surveillance.
