Srinagar: The mountains along the Line of Control in North Kashmir are completely covered with 5-12 feet of snow and the wind speed is around 80 km per hour. In these harsh conditions, the BSF jawans have two challenges, one to keep terrorists from infiltrating and the other to protect themselves from avalanches and harsh weather conditions. The high morale of these soldiers to serve the nation keeps them ready to face any hardship. BSF personnel patrol these areas along the Line of Control every six hours. “We are guarding the LoC here round the clock throughout the year and there is no possibility of infiltration in this area,” he said. We will not allow any intruder to enter our territory. The citizens of the country need to ensure that they are safe,” said Mukesh, a soldier posted at a forward post in north Kashmir’s Gurez sector.
The terrain is steep, and these mountains are dangerous for patrolling in the winter season. The mountains have about 5-6 feet of snow which is highly prone to avalanches. BSF has avalanche rescue team on 24/7 alert during winter season. If any incident occurs, the rescue team reaches the spot with first aid and rescue equipment.
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“We are ready every time it takes us a maximum of 15 minutes to start the operation,” a rescue soldier said, adding that we have the latest technology to search for a missing person, and we not only rescue We are there for the soldiers but if any civilian needs help, we are there.”
“We have all the basic facilities at every forward post, we have locality wise facilities,” said the head of a medical team. “Most soldiers get frostbites, high blood pressure and sometimes even stroke because the blood flow gets thickened due to cold.” For evacuation we use special hypo thermal bags which have enough oxygen inside and we The soldier can be safely taken to the nearest medical facility,” he said.
These soldiers have been provided with the best equipment ranging from weapons to new technical equipment used for surveillance. Soldiers who are sent for duty in these areas are first trained so that they can get used to the environment. They have also been provided with the best winter gear to protect them from the extreme cold conditions. It is not easy for these soldiers to survive in these harsh conditions but their love and service to the nation makes it easy for them.
IG BSF Frontier Ashok Yadav said, “These soldiers are doing a commendable job but as leaders, we have to boost their morale and for that, we keep visiting them to know what can be done to make their duties more comfortable.” What more can be done for them” IG further added “We are also providing them best weapons, clothing and night vision to fight against enemies and harsh winter conditions.”
BSF has also ensured a smooth rapport with the local people of these areas. BSF provides all possible help to the people of the area in case of any kind of emergency in the cold winter. These soldiers help people by reaching in a very short time. From transporting pregnant women to medical facilities in these areas, and rescuing people from areas affected by natural calamities such as avalanches and landslides.