Infiltration bids by terrorists have reduced after surgical strikes: Rajnath Singh

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New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said infiltration bids by terrorists have come down after the army carried out surgical strikes across the LoC last year to wipe out terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

"There has been a fall in infiltration after the (September 29) surgical strikes," Rajnath Singh said here at the 15th investiture ceremony of the Border Security Force (BSF).

The army conducted surgical strikes in September last year to destroy terror launch pads across the Line of Control in Kashmir that resulted in the killing of dozens of militants and their sponsors.

The Border Security Force, which guards the International Border, said there were 130 infiltration attempts in 2016, while there have been 27 attempts so far this year.

Rajnath Singh called upon the BSF to maintain strict vigil along the border and be prepared all the time. He said the strict vigil at the border would also reduce inflow of fake currency.

He appreciated the BSF for its role in curbing smuggling and inflow of fake currency notes at the borders and said Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System is essential for border security. 

He said the family of each killed trooper should get Rs one crore as compensation, and asked all the Directors General of paramilitary forces to contact him if this was not implemented.

The Home Minister asked the BSF personnel not to believe everything they see on the social media and avoid posting content on it.

"Social media has become a tool nowadays to spread rumours," the Minister said urging troopers of the BSF and other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to verify content before posting something on the social media which is not authentic and not in the interest of the nation. 

"It is our responsibility to protect the unity and integrity of our country." 

The Home Minister also pointed out that some BSF troopers at the event were not wearing their caps. 

"The forces should pay special attention to the discipline and should be alert about their dress code," the Minister remarked.

Delivering a message to those trying to join the paramilitary forces and army, he said "a passion to serve the nation must be in their mind". 

"National self-esteem is very important for anybody along with personal self-esteem and nobody shall ever compromise with his self-esteem. The national self esteem cannot be compromised when any foreign power tries to disturb peace at the Indian borders."

Rajnath Singh said he does not consider the BSF as an ordinary organisation, but considers it as the "first wall of defence". 

Appreciating the BSF's civic action programme, the Minister said about 35,000 troopers have been promoted to Head Constable. 

He also said that the recently launched web portal to redress the grievances of the CAPF personnel will be personally monitored by him once a month to ensure that there are no unresolved grievances pending through the proper channel. 

Rajnath Singh also said that another web portal and mobile application -- named "Bharat ke Veer" -- has been launched recently, with an objective to enable willing donors to contribute towards the families of those bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. 

Rajnath Singh presented the Police Medals for Gallantry and Police Medals for Meritorious Service to BSF personnel at the investiture ceremony. This year 29 medals were awarded. Constable Harinder Singh, bronze medallist at the 6th Asian Para Cycling Championship-2017, was also awarded during the function.

Director Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain, former Directors General and senior officers of BSF and Home Ministry were also present on the occasion.