Jammu: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Friday led a Tiranga Yatra upto zero line along the International Border in Kathua district, receiving a briefing about BSF’s “Smart Border” reinforcement starting from Hiranagar sector soon.
The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office expressed his appreciation for the dedication and service of the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel guarding the nation’s frontier.
He said the BSF plays a critical role in ensuring the country’s security both during war and in times of peace.
Leading the rally in his home constituency, Singh was warmly welcomed by local residents of Hiranagar sector and marched with the national flag, expressing their commitment to the unity, integrity and progress of the nation.
The rally culminated at the zero point on the Indo-Pak international border in Bobiya village, where the minister was briefed about BSF’s “Smart Border” reinforcement starting from this sector, an official said.
Paying tribute to the BSF jawans deployed along the border, Singh said this area has historically faced the challenge of cross-border firing, but people are able to live peacefully and sleep without fear because they know that the soldiers remain awake through the night, guarding the nation’s borders.
He said the service and sacrifice of the security personnel are a great contribution to the nation.
The minister also commended the BSF personnel for their commendable management of the recent flood situation, saying that their role goes beyond border guarding.
Their prompt response during emergencies, relief work and assistance to civilians demonstrate their commitment to the people and the nation, he said.
Referring to the Tiranga yatra on the eve of Independence Day, Singh said it is being organised in the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Har Ghar Tiranga”, which has given a renewed impetus to nationalism and national pride.
He said that the Modi government has taken significant steps to strengthen the spirit of national pride, including giving due recognition to “Vande Mataram”, further reinforcing the country’s cultural and national consciousness.
Singh said that the renewed nationalism visible across the country is an important part of the journey towards a stronger and more confident India.
The minister said the Tiranga yatra at Bobiya is in keeping with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of bringing the spirit of patriotism to every household and making citizens active participants in the nation-building process.
He highlighted the unprecedented development witnessed in Kathua and the wider Jammu region over the past decade and said that after 2014, the region entered a new era of development, with major improvements in connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, education, industry and other essential sectors.
The Modi government, he said, has “made up for all the shortcomings” through focused development and implementation of major projects, without discrimination, ensuring that the benefits of development reach all sections of society.
Areas along the international border, which had historically faced difficulties owing to inadequate infrastructure and connectivity, have witnessed a major transformation, he said.
He highlighted the construction of border bunkers, mobile towers, roads upto zero line, four percent reservation along IB and strengthening of border infrastructure, along with improved road and rail connectivity and other development initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of life of border residents.
Singh also highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening border security through technology and innovation.
He said that the concept of a “Smart Border” is being advanced through the use of new technologies and innovative solutions to prevent infiltration, strengthen surveillance and provide more effective protection to the country’s frontiers.
