Defence Minister AK Antony stated in Parliament on March 14, 2012 that the government is aware through intelligence inputs that Pakistan has constructed new bunkers, morchas (forward trenches etc) and towers and carried out repairs of old ones. The figures mentioned pertaining to the period between 2004 and 2011 are 886 bunkers, 261 morchas, 398 towers and 143 posts or Border Out Posts (BOPs). He added that protests have been lodged with Pakistan Rangers.
While flag meetings of field commanders are held in all cases, the matter is also taken up by BSF with Pakistan Rangers during scheduled meetings at various levels and that adequate troops are suitably supplemented by appropriate surveillance and technical intelligence resources to ensure the sanctity of the border. The building of new defensive structures along the border happen even as trade ties between the nations are strengthened in New Delhi. An example of this was seen in the recent Lifestyle Pakistan exhibition which showcased Pakistani goods in multiple stalls at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The Pakistani merchants are eyeing the large Indian market for selling their goods. What is obvious however, is that despite an ongoing peace process involving various issues and aspects, Pakistan’s military establishment continues to follow its own agenda.
