While India celebrates Diwali, BSF jawans guard the Line of Control in North Kashmir, staying alert against infiltration to protect the nation’s peace.
BSF jawans celebrate Diwali on the Line of Control in North Kashmir, guarding the border under constant threat and ensuring national security (Photo: X | @HitanandSharma)
NORTH KASHMIR: As the nation sparkle with diyas and fireworks this Diwali, a different kind of light glows along the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir the unwavering resolve of Border Security Force (BSF) jawans guarding the nation's most volatile frontier. This newspaper was granted rare and exclusive access to the forward posts where jawans are deployed, braving not just the harsh terrain and weather, but also the constant threat of enemy infiltration.
Even on Diwali, the jawans remain on high alert. Despite the festive atmosphere in the rest of the country, the LoC remains under threat. Intelligence inputs suggest heightened infiltration attempts by Pakistan-backed terrorists, using the cover of foggy nights and thick forest belts. The BSF responds by intensifying their surveillance and patrolling duties.
At one of the forward posts near the Pir Panjal range, jawans pa trolled the fence line on foot and in vehicles, carrying out night surveillance using thermal imaging de vices and night vision equipment. Checkpoints were reinforced, and command posts were in constant radio contact with surrounding units. As part of the layered security, ambush teams are positioned at likely infiltration routes.
A jawan posted on night duty said, "Visibility drops sharply after sunset. The terrain works in the enemy's favour, but we are trained for this. Any movement across the fence is detected and responded to immediately. This is routine for us Diwali or not." The operational tempo remains high throughout the day. Early morning searches are conducted along forested ridges close to the LoC, where past encounters have taken place. Jawans scan bunkers, dense thickets, and nullahs believed to be used by infiltrators to cross into Indian territory. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and handheld drones are also deployed for aerial monitoring.
The Diwali celebrations do not end with the puja. Jawans dance to Bollywood and Bhojpuri songs under the open sky, rifles slung over shoulders, laughter echoing against the silence of the forest. But even in those moments of joy, the lookout posts remain manned. Eyes never leave the border.
This Diwali, while millions enjoy peace and festivities, it is made possible by the vigilance of those stationed at the edge of danger. The jawans of the BSF, standing tall at the LoC, remind the nation once again of the sacrifices that secure our celebrations.
A company commander leading a combing operation explained, "We receive real-time intel. Our strategy includes aggressive patrolling, ambushes, and continuous monitoring. Some infiltration attempts have been foiled recently, and we suspect a few terrorists may have managed to enter. We're tracking and eliminating them before they pose a threat to civilian areas."
Despite the operational stress and distance from their families, the spirit of Diwali is kept alive in the camp. In the evening, after completing their shifts, jawans return to the camp near the fence. A brief but heartfelt Diwali celebration will follow. Diyas will be lit, a special puja held, and sweets distributed among the personnel.
Senior officers participate in the celebrations, boosting morale. "This camp is our home. Though far from our families, we make sure the spirit of festivals is kept alive. Our duty to the nation comes first," said a senior officer.
