Sir Creek Region:
It was a year back that major loopholes emerged in the security ring along the Gujarat maritime boundary line when Mumbai attackers managed to sneak in and reach Mumbai through the sea.
Sir Creek region, a disputed area between India and Pakistan, and a favourite route for infiltration had come under the scanner post 26/11. Now security agencies are initiating steps to plug these loopholes, which includes setting up of a crack creek commando team.
NDTV visited the region to find out how security is being strengthened.
Thick vegetation in the Sir Creek region makes patrolling difficult, and offers a perfect cover for infiltrators.
Now the Border Security Forces (BSF) has set up a special commando unit, called the creek crocodile squad to stop infiltration.
It's an attempt to plug the loopholes in the security ring. The special commando force has been provided the necessary expertise to prevent infiltration from across Pakistan.
Commandant Pushpendra Rathod, the officer who heads the force, realises the scanner is now on costal security, especially after Intelligence warning of possible attacks through the sea route. But he says it's a big challenge to patrol the 104-km-long area.
"This particular area is so vast. There are nallas and creeks making patrolling and detecting infiltrators a challenging task. We cannot rule out possibility of infiltration attempts so what we are trying to do is dominate the area," said Pushpendra Rathod.
And for that, the commandos go through a rigorous security drill at frequent intervals.
"We have better equipment, better resources now, and also thick deployment. We also carry out joint patrolling with coast guards and navy," said Rathod.
An attempt to hit the target effectively to ensure attacks like 26/11 are foiled right at the initial stage.