Chandigarh, May 9 — To reinforce security along the 553-kilometer India-Pakistan border in Punjab, the state police have ramped up deployment with elite Ghatak teams and 14 additional companies across seven border districts, officials said.
The enhanced security operation covers Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar Rural, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka, and is being carried out in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and Army authorities.
“We have created a strong second line of defence alongside the BSF,” a senior police official said. “Our deployment includes Special Operations Group (SOG) Hits, State Special Group (SSG), and Ghatak teams, all equipped with bulletproof vehicles.”
As part of the intensified border management strategy, 73 fortified checkpoints have been established at key locations. These nakas are jointly manned by Punjab Police and BSF personnel, aiming to deter infiltration and maintain heightened vigilance.
Village Defence Committees (VDCs), comprising both youth volunteers and experienced locals, have also been formed throughout the border belt. These grassroots units are being trained to assist in surveillance and local intelligence gathering.
At the state level, Punjab’s Chief Secretary convened a meeting with top Army officials of the Western Command at Chandimandir to address logistical and operational requirements. Parallel engagements between District Collectors, senior police officers, and BSF commanders have also been held to streamline inter-agency coordination.
Security for cantonments and Army convoys has been bolstered. Punjab Police have provided bulletproof vehicles for BSF personnel deployed at forward posts, while ensuring the safe movement of military vehicles across key routes.
Rear area security has been reinforced with the deployment of 14 additional armed police companies across the border districts. Control rooms have been activated both at the state and district levels to facilitate round-the-clock communication between civil and military agencies.
Mock drills led by Civil Defence volunteers are underway in all districts, designed to test emergency response systems and improve readiness.
An official statewide alert was issued Wednesday, prompting intensified policing operations over the past two weeks. These include night patrols, surprise inspections, and checks at transportation hubs, commercial centers, and crowded areas.
“We are conducting night domination operations and frequent checks at hotels, railway stations, malls, and other high-footfall areas,” said a senior officer. “The goal is to ensure safety for citizens and uphold law and order.”
Officials maintained that the combined efforts represent a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Punjab’s border and internal regions amid current regional tensions.
