Union Home Minister Amit Shah Visits Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua, Meets BSF Personnel and Families of Martyred Policemen in Jammu and Srinagar

New Delhi/Srinagar, April 7: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today visited the Border Outpost ‘Vinay’ in Kathua during his Jammu and Kashmir tour, where he interacted with the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed at the international border. The visit was marked by tributes to the martyr Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the BSF, who made the supreme sacrifice in 2019 while on duty in Kathua district.

The visit was accompanied by several high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and the Director General of the BSF.

During his visit, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated newly constructed facilities at the border, which include eight women barracks, high-mast lights, a G+1 tower, and a composite BOP. All these developments were completed at a cost of ₹47.22 crore. These infrastructure enhancements aim to bolster the security capabilities and improve the living conditions of BSF personnel.

Shri Shah appreciated the dedication and tireless efforts of the BSF personnel stationed at the international border in the Jammu region. Speaking to the soldiers, he emphasized the challenging conditions under which the BSF operates—whether during extreme cold, heavy rainfall, or scorching temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius. He highlighted the preparedness and alertness with which the personnel guard the country’s borders.

He lauded the BSF’s historic role in national security and affirmed that the nation recognizes the force as the first line of defence. He further recalled the BSF’s significant contributions in every war with Pakistan, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Indian Army.

The Home Minister also shared updates about technological advancements being introduced for border surveillance. Two electronic surveillance system models have been developed for deployment along the borders. These technologies aim to help soldiers receive timely alerts and respond effectively to enemy actions. He noted that various experiments using technology to detect infiltration and destroy tunnels have also been conducted.

He revealed that in the coming years, security forces along the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders will be fully equipped with advanced technical assistance. He stated that over 26 technology-based initiatives are currently under testing, including anti-drone systems, tunnel detection technology, and electronic surveillance. He expressed confidence that some of these technologies could yield results by next March, easing the operational challenges of border personnel.

Reaffirming the Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of security forces and their families, Shri Shah mentioned various welfare schemes launched by the Centre. These include Ayushman CAPF, Ex-Gratia Payments, accidental death insurance under the CAPF salary package scheme, Unified Pension Scheme, Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS), and E-Housing.

In another significant part of his visit, Union Home Minister Amit Shah met the families of martyred police personnel in Jammu and handed over appointment letters to nine nominees on compassionate grounds. Shri Shah paid tribute to the police martyrs and expressed his deep gratitude to their families.

He acknowledged the severe toll terrorism has taken on Jammu and Kashmir for over three and a half decades and praised the courage of the police personnel who laid down their lives for the nation’s safety. While recognizing progress made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in tackling terrorism and ending separatist ideology, he reiterated that the mission is not yet complete, as terrorism has only been curbed, not entirely eliminated.

Shri Shah urged the J&K Government to ensure a compassionate appointment for 12-year-old Yuvraj Singh, son of martyr SGCT Jaswant Singh, once he reaches adulthood at 18.

The Home Minister also paid respects to the family of late Shri Shashi Bhushan Abrol, Deputy Manager/Designer at APCO Construction Company, who was martyred during a terrorist attack at the Sonamarg Tunnel project in Ganderbal on October 20, 2024. He emphasized that while no words can ease the pain of such losses, they reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to stand by the families of martyrs.

Later in the day, upon arriving in Srinagar, Shri Amit Shah visited the residence of late DSP Humayun Bhat, who was killed during a fierce gunfight with militants in Kokernag on September 13, 2023. DSP Bhat, who was only 32, was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra—India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award—on Independence Day in 2024 for his extraordinary bravery and service.

Shri Amit Shah concluded his visit by calling upon citizens to honor the ideals of the martyrs and remain committed to duty, honor, and devotion to ‘Maa Bharti’. He said that the valor and sacrifices of the brave hearts will forever inspire the nation and guide the path toward building the India of their dreams.