NEW DELHI: While Pakistan’s Marines are busy strengthening their defences and associated infrastructure in the strategically important Sir Creek area of Gujarat, the Border Security Force (BSF) has put its construction activities on hold since February last. Tensions between the forces of the two countries across the Creek haven’t been dialled down yet.
“A 64-men barrack is under construction at Pak marine post-Rah-de-pir. This is in addition to the Pakistan Marines deploying a tent post opposite G-pillar 22,” a source said. The Pakistan side is also deploying Quadcopters to monitor activities of the BSF and is using civilian boats to transport construction material from Shahbhandar to Rah-de-Pir for strengthening their defences, added sources.
In contrast, “while Maurya Bet (earlier term Samudra Bet) is held by the BSF, construction has been stopped since February,” they said. As first reported by this newspaper, tension had been brewing since February in Sir Creek following Pakistan’s aggressive posturing. In response, the BSF deployed resources in commensurate strength.
It all began as BSF troops on the ground were working on improving their habitat to which the Pakistan Marines objected and later mobilised their resources. The Pakistani Marines not only objected but also mobilised their fast attack crafts and boats aggressively. During the incident, “local commanders responded befittingly and mobilised their matching resources,” sources said.
There have been proposals to beef up the BSF’s operational capabilities in the area. The Union home ministry had approved `50 crore for building eight multi-storeyed bunkers-cum-observation posts to ward off the infiltration of Pakistani fishermen and fishing boats.