Army to acquire more border surveillance system

Having fenced 550 km of the 740-km Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, India is expected to acquire six all-weather border surveillance management systems to keep a tight vigil against terrorists’ infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Northern Command, which defends J & K against foreign aggression and responsible for internal security in the state, has reportedly issued a tender recently for the purchase of these systems that would help it to keep a watch on the LoC, which despite the fencing is still porous owing to the vagaries of terrain. The surveillance system, based on/in addition to the fencing 150 metres within the Indian side of the LoC, is required for Indian Army’s 24×7 observation in high-altitude area and extreme cold climate conditions. The surveillance system would be networked so that a single centre is able to observe the feed of multiple sensors and the all-weather, day-and-night camera would be able to record images. Effective observation of the LoC is absolutely necessary, as Pakistan army and Inter Services Intelligence have consistently maintained the aim of keeping J&K and the rest of India on the boil, disregarding any number border meetings/discussions or agreements at higher levels. Recent incidents in J&K, Kishtwar and Kupwara districts and threats issued by Pak army supported terrorist tanzeems leave no doubt about their intentions, particularly in view of the US coalition forces drawdown.