In a major security development, the Border Security Force (BSF) is set to begin a comprehensive improvised explosive device (IED) detection drive along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. This initiative follows the first-ever recovery of such explosives in the region, which left one BSF jawan injured. Official sources confirmed the new operation on Thursday, emphasising the strategic importance of the area and the growing threat posed by cross-border elements.

First IED Discovery Sparks Intensive Security Measures

The BSF recovered two IEDs on Wednesday from a farming field situated ahead of the fencing in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. This area lies along a sensitive stretch of the international border, often targeted by cross-border smugglers and infiltrators. According to a senior BSF officer, anti-sabotage operations were immediately launched at the site of the explosive recovery.

"A massive sanitation drive to find possible improvised explosive devices (IEDs) will be undertaken in the Punjab frontier following the incident on Wednesday," the officer said. "Anti-sabotage checks are already being undertaken at the site where the IED was detected."

Officials confirmed that this marks the first recorded instance of IEDs being recovered in this critical and sensitive border zone. The location, known for infiltration attempts, is frequently used by Pakistani drones to smuggle drugs and weapons into India.

Jurisdiction Realignment for Better Coordination

To improve operational efficiency, the BSF recently transferred control of approximately 20.3 kilometres of the 553-kilometre-long Punjab frontier from the Jalandhar-based headquarters to the Jammu frontier. This change aims to strengthen security coordination in the riverine belt of Pathankot district, which shares a boundary with Jammu.

The India-Pakistan international border spans 2,289 kilometres, running from Jammu in the north to Gujarat in the west, through Punjab and Rajasthan. The BSF is responsible for safeguarding this extensive frontier. The Jammu BSF frontier currently oversees 191.66 kilometres of the international border and an additional 40 kilometres along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rising Concerns Over Border Security and Civilian Safety

Nearly 70% of the 532-kilometre stretch of the international border in Punjab is cultivable land. Farmers routinely visit these fields for agricultural work, including areas located ahead of the security fence. This has raised alarm among officials, who are concerned that hidden explosives could pose a severe threat to both civilians and security personnel.

Officials suspect the IEDs were planted by hostile elements from across the border. The bombs, found ahead of the fencing, appeared to have been assembled with "military precision," suggesting involvement of trained operatives or professional handlers from Pakistan. The BSF is expected to raise the matter formally with the Pakistan Rangers in the coming days.

Use of Advanced Detection Tools and Sniffer Dogs

To intensify the sanitisation efforts, the BSF plans to deploy additional ground detection devices and trained sniffer dogs across the Punjab border. This will enhance the force’s ability to uncover and neutralise any hidden explosives along the vast, porous terrain.

BSF officials in Punjab stated that this new threat adds to existing security challenges, particularly the persistent problem of Pakistani drones, often of Chinese origin, infiltrating Indian airspace to drop narcotics, arms, and ammunition.

According to official data, over 200 drones were intercepted by BSF personnel in Punjab in 2024. In comparison, 107 drones were seized in 2023. So far this year, around 60 such drones have already been captured, indicating an escalating trend.

A New Chapter in Border Security Challenges

The detection of IEDs along the Punjab border has opened up a new dimension in India's border security operations. For the first time, the threat of explosives joins the already complex issues of drone incursions and smuggling operations. The BSF's proactive response — including the launch of a full-scale anti-IED drive and the realignment of jurisdictions — highlights the growing need for adaptive and coordinated efforts to secure the nation’s frontiers.

As investigations continue and security measures are enhanced, authorities remain on high alert. The BSF’s expanded vigilance and preparedness in the region reflect the evolving nature of threats from across the border and underline the critical importance of sustained, intelligence-driven countermeasures.