Sleepless, yet battle-ready in Jammu sector

Amir Karim Tantray in Jammu

High-explosive shells light up a pitch-dark night in the RS Pura Sector of the International Border (IB) with alarming frequency. Border Security Force jawan Om Prakash is on duty: he has been awake like this for almost 24 hours inside his border outpost. He and his two colleagues have not been able to go back to the base camp as snipers have dug themselves in across the border. The three have to cheat death, and their sleep. There is no food and water. “We are closer to god!” he chuckles. 

For over a month now, the routine shift of a BSF jawan has been doubled. That also means a company commander has to be doubly vigilant and keep the jawans’ morale high. He must also take care of their health. “Our task is, come hell or high water, we have to ensure no one is allowed to infiltrate,” says Om Prakash. “If a jawan is injured, his colleagues’ job is to first evacuate him and give him first aid. One jawan retaliates, giving cover fire, while another colleague informs the company commander about the incident. He has to play multiple roles at that moment,” says a BSF Inspector, wishing anonymity. In the last month of intensified skirmishes, three BSF jawans have died and a few others injured. “This is the time we are trained for,” says the Inspector. The coming days could be more challenging with reports of Pakistan army soldiers replacing their border guards (Rangers). 

The current phase of violence along the IB and LoC has escalated ever since India announced surgical strikes on terror camps. Since then we have lost 15 people. Around 60 people, all civilians, have also been injured. Scores of cattle have perished and houses damaged in a fast deteriorating situation.

“The violence on borders has never stopped since 1947. We have seen the worst in these years as many of our men, women and children have been killed in Pakistani shelling. The same may be the case on the other side,” says Krishan Chand (60), a resident of Rangoor Camp border village in Ramgarh sector on the IB in Samba district of Jammu region.