CHANDIGARH: Indian security agencies have noticed massive military fortification, including construction and maintenance activities by the

opposite the Punjab frontier. The activities include maintenance of 'morchas' (bunkers), defence positions, room-type structures, outpost towers and ring bundhs.

These activities are being carried by the Pakistan army regulars as well as the Pak Rangers, the border force of Pakistan like India's BSF. Pakistan's construction activities along the border were discussed in a joint meeting of intelligence and security agencies held recently in Punjab.

The intelligence agencies have also noticed a large number of flying objects, probably unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the neighbouring country near the border. The flying objects have been found on reconnaissance trips in bordering areas of Punjab. During 2018, the security agencies noticed around 35 such activities on the Punjab frontier. The maximum number of such activities were observed in the

Amritsar

sector.

‘Large number of flying objects noticed at border’

Similarly, such observations were also made in Gurdaspur, Ferozepur and Fazilka sectors, which are being guarded by the Border Security Force (BSF).

“Pakistan’s activities are going unabated and they are creating defensive infrastructures on the border. We have to prepare ourselves in a way to match their activities and preparedness,” says the report prepared by intelligence agencies while sharing these inputs regarding the activities across the border.

Similarly, the agencies have also found that miscreants at the border are not found using the old methods of communication due to fear of being intercepted. The intelligence agencies have alerted all security forces about possible use of ‘Thuraya activities (satellite phones).’ The agencies have found use of such devices close of border areas in the Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Fazilka sectors.

Alert about robotic tank

Information, accessed by TOI, has also revealed that the security agencies in border areas have also been alerted about the unmanned robotic mini-tank tested by the Pakistan army. The mini-tank has been developed by the defence production department of Pakistan. A test on this robotic tank was also conducted on December 16, 2018 under the supervision of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the Paksitan army chief, at Malir cantonment in Karachi.