India steps up intelligence, security on Indo-Pak border

NEW DELHI, Aug 2: Amid reports that Hafiz Sayeed headed Jamat-Ud-Dawa (JuD) had increased its activities near the Indo-Pak border, India has stepped up its intelligence and security in these areas.         Interacting with the media here today, Director General, Border Security Force (BSF) K K Sharma said the Force was ready to counter any kind of infiltration from any terrorist outfit.

He said additional force had been deployed in Punjab and Jammu region( four battalions in Punjab and two extra battalions in Jammu) and several ultra high tech gadgets were being used for surveillance in the border area.

Replying to a specific question on the reports of  Hafiz Sayeed being just 8-10 kms away from Wagah border and trying to disrupt peace in J&K, Mr Sharma said BSF was on high alert on all the border areas in its jurisdiction.

In reference to his bilateral talks with his counterpart in Pakistan last week, he said that the meeting was crucial and some vital decisions were taken to maintain peace on the Indo-Pak borders. He said that the issue of infiltration was also discussed during the talks and Pakistan assured of its full cooperation in checking it at its end.

Meanwhile, on the issue of installation of  Indian National flag, at Wagah border, for which Pakistan Government had objected recently, Mr Sharma said that no specific directions had been issued so far, but as per international law, no flag could be installed within 150 square yards of the border and it would be followed. (UNI)