2,300km international border with Pakistan to be sealed soon

The government plans to seal the international border with Pakistan, spread over 2,300 km, soon. Union home minister Rajnath Singh will discuss the proposal at a closed-door meeting in Jaisalmer on Friday with home ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

This would see movement of goods, traffic and people only from 1 or 2 designated check-points, where a documentation and search will be done.

The Wagah-Attari integrated check post is one of the main designated entry-exit points. The proposal will cover International Border manned by Border Security Force and not the Line of Control, where the Army is deployed.

At present, there are two designated trade route along the LoC — Uri-Salambad and Poonch-Rawalkote which are operational.

“The aim is to funnel the movement of goods and people from across the border to 1-2 spots and shut down the others. It will also help to block


class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark">undesignated routes mostly used by smugglers, illegal migrants and militants.

The security at the designated spots will be reviewed and upgraded. No one without valid document and travel paper will be allowed inside,” a senior home ministry official said on condition of anonymity. The move follows escalation of tension with Pakistan.

The Centre also plans to propose installing of radars, CCTV cameras, laser fences and motion sensors to fill the gaps on the international border.

“The aim is to set up round-the-clock surveillance using sophisticated technology and seal India’s western border to prevent any untoward incident like Pathankot in future,” the official said. Senior officials from MHA’s border management division and top brass of BSF are also expected to be present during the Jaisalmer meeting.