Reviewing border security in Rajasthan, Rajanth Singh said India does not intend to occupy others' land
Highlights
- Rajnath Singh assured government will improve border infrastructure
- We do not intend to occupy others' land," he said
- Rajnath had visited border outposts in Jaisalmer yesterday
India never attacks anyone but will retaliate and "not count the bullets" if attacked, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said after assessing security on border with Pakistan.
"We never open fire first, but if attacked, in retaliation we never count the bullets after pulling the trigger," he said addressing the Border Security Force or BSF personnel on the second day of his visit to Rajasthan.
Mr Singh, who visited BSF's Munabao Border Outpost, assured the security personnel that the government will do everything to improve the border infrastructure, including completing the floodlighting and a parallel road along the fencing, and their service conditions.
"Our heritage is 'Vasudev Kutumbakam' meaning the whole world is one family. We do not intend to occupy others' land," he said.
Mr Singh also praised the BSF personnel who guard the borders effectively despite adverse temperature and difficult desert terrain guard.
Noting that some of the border outposts do not have proper telephone facility, the minister said that mobile connectivity will be improved with the sanction of more mobile towers close to the border and in the meantime more satellite phones will also be provided at the Border Outposts or BOP.
The Home Ministry will also address the shortage of bullet proof jackets and also consider procuring lighter ones.
Mr Singh also expressed concern over shortage of drinking water facilities at some of the outposts and mentioned that a survey would be conducted on the feasibility of providing piped water supply to all the BOPs.
On camp security, Mr Singh said the BSF proposal for constructing safety walls and ring bunds on the periphery of the Battalion headquarters and border outposts will be examined.
"The issue of camouflage uniform being uncomfortable in hot temperature flagged by the BSF personnel will also be addressed," said a release quoting the Home Minister.
Mr Singh said the Director General, BSF and Secretary (Border Management) accompanying him have taken note of all issues of concern raised by the BSF troopers at the BOPs.
The minister had visited Murar and adjoining border outposts in Jaisalmer district and interacted with the BSF jawans on Friday.