Gandhinagar: A press conference and arms exhibition was organized today at the Gujarat Frontier Headquarters in Gandhinagar by the Inspector General. During the event, Inspector General of Gujarat Frontier, Mr. Abhishek Pathak, provided information about the Border Security Force (BSF) and the challenging terrain covered by the Gujarat Frontier. He stated that the BSF is responsible for securing the India–Pakistan and India–Bangladesh borders. From the snow-covered peaks of Jammu and Kashmir to the marshy Sar Creek region on the India–Pakistan border in Gujarat, the BSF is committed to safeguarding the nation at every moment.

The Gujarat Frontier is an important unit of the BSF, responsible for securing the India–Pakistan international border stretching from Barmer in Rajasthan to Sar Creek in Gujarat. This frontier covers extremely difficult and challenging terrain. For instance, the Barmer region features scorching deserts and towering sand dunes, where summer temperatures can reach up to 50°C. Despite such harsh conditions and the lack of any shelter, our soldiers continue to protect the border day and night without concern for the weather.

The India–Pakistan border in Gujarat also presents a unique geographical profile. Some regions are desert, while others are salt marshes, both characterized by saline soil, high humidity, and heat. Access routes are very limited. Soldiers often have to patrol or conduct other operations on foot through marshy land.

Mr. Pathak also condemned the brutal terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, stating that it shocked the entire nation and compelled India to take necessary action.

He informed that intelligence units had alerted them about movements of the Pakistani military, including reports of tanks and artillery being deployed near the border adjacent to Gujarat. In response, the Gujarat Frontier began preparations and deployed high-caliber weapons and surveillance equipment at all border outposts. Maximum deployment of soldiers and officers was carried out. During this critical period, the Director General of the BSF visited the most challenging creek region and provided guidance to the troops stationed there. Other senior officers also visited border outposts to boost the morale of the soldiers.

The IG further disclosed details of the Indian armed forces’ cross-border strike on May 7, 2025, during Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. However, he clarified that no attacks were made on Pakistani military installations or civilians.

Following the Indian strike, Pakistan began drone and missile attacks on the night of May 8, 2025. From the start of Operation Sindoor until the ceasefire, Pakistan launched over 600 drone attacks in the area from Barmer to Gujarat Frontier. However, BSF, with the assistance of the Indian Army and Air Force, thwarted these attacks. Not a single BSF soldier abandoned their post, and no Indian soldier or civilian on the border was harmed by the Pakistani drones or missiles.

Mr. Pathak emphasized that, no matter how adverse the circumstances, BSF soldiers remained highly motivated. Leaves were canceled, and despite the difficult weather, morale remained high. Every soldier prioritized service to the nation. It was the courage and vigilance of our border guards that, on May 23, 2025, near Suigam on the India–Pakistan border, they eliminated a Pakistani infiltrator who attempted to cross the border.

Praising the contribution of female personnel, the Inspector General said that women deployed on the border stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts during operations. Whether in patrolling, surveillance, or communication duties, they fulfilled their responsibilities with dedication and efficiency. He made special mention of two women officers, Assistant Commandant Niti Yadav and Assistant Commandant Amandeep Kaur, highlighting their exceptional leadership, capability, and bravery in the challenging creek region. Currently, over 800 women personnel are deployed in Gujarat Frontier, including officers, subordinate officers, and constables.

Thanking other security forces and agencies during Operation Sindoor, he acknowledged the full cooperation of the Indian Army, Air Force, and State Police forces. All units worked as a single cohesive force. District administrations and border residents also played a vital role. The BSF received full support from district authorities, and every effort was made to ensure the safety of civilians living along the border. He also thanked the State Government, particularly the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Home Minister of Gujarat, for their all-round support. Additionally, the District Collectors of Barmer, Banaskantha, and Kutch extended full cooperation.

Thanks to intelligence inputs from Saurashtra Security Force’s intelligence wing and other agencies, continuous updates about Pakistan’s movements and intentions helped ensure that Pakistan could not succeed in any nefarious designs or inflict damage on India.

At the press conference, Mr. Pathak also highlighted BSF’s longstanding history of bravery. He stated that courage and valor are not new to BSF. The force has always played a critical role in securing borders during the India–Pakistan wars. In December 1971, when the war began, BSF withstood initial enemy attacks and carried out several offensive operations, capturing 15 Pakistani outposts. On December 5–6, 1971, the 15th Battalion of BSF captured Pakistani outposts at Kalibet, Vingi, Paneli, and Jatarai. Another battalion destroyed the Pakistani outpost at Jaleli and advanced into enemy territory to capture Nagarparkar and Birawah. A third battalion captured the Pakistani outpost at Vigore.

Recognizing the contribution of Gujarat Frontier’s border guards during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army awarded a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the Corps Commander to Deputy Inspector General of Barmer, Mr. Rajkumar Basata.

In conclusion, the Inspector General praised media professionals, stating that their responsible journalism, timely dissemination of verified information, and sensitivity toward national security have played a vital role in maintaining public trust in border regions. Through their efforts, accurate information reaches the public, and the spread of rumors is curtailed. DeshGujarat