Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Sunday said the upcoming multi-state coordinated offensive against the Naxals will be intelligence-based and the forces will have to adopt the tactics implemented by them while tackling militancy and insurgency in other parts of the country.
Speaking at the 44th Raising Day celebrations of the Border Security Force here, Mr. Chidambaram said, "I expect the BSF to hone the skills and tactics that were developed by it during the anti-militancy and counter-insurgency operations and adopt to the new conditions that they will face in the Naxal-affected areas.
"In these areas, operations have to be intelligence-based and (security forces) have to secure the support of the community and people living in those areas," the Home Minister said.
He said the security forces have to show great sensitivity and maturity in conducting operations in left-wing extremism hit areas.
Hinting at the infiltration bids from across Pakistan, Mr. Chidambaram said though the force was doing a good job, one cannot afford to reduce the level of vigil and alertness.
"On the Western front, we have a neighbour whose designs are too well known. The BSF is a premier border guarding force of that frontier to keep out infiltrators and terrorists. On the Eastern front, the task is even more arduous, the jungles and mountains and the poor connectivity and a rather porous border... the BSF has to contain infiltration, smuggling and other activities."
Mr. Chidambaram, however, said "Let me caution everyone here, we cannot afford to reduce our level of vigilance and alertness under any circumstances."
He also said he had urged state governments to be "prompt" and "generous" in allocating and acquiring lands for the central paramilitary forces.
The Minister acknowledged the fact that the BSF troops have to brave the hostile terrain and face social isolation as they are posted in far flung areas.
"We would sympathetically and carefully examine all your suggestions for the modernisation and betterment of the force and its personnel," he said.
The BSG guards a total of 6,623 kms of the Indo-Pak (western side) and Indo-Bangla (eastern side) of the border.
BSF Director General Raman Srivastava said the force is modernising its equipment and procuring early warning devices for better border management and security.
The Minister also awarded the force personnel for the gallant and distinguished service in the line of duty.
The BSF personnel displayed their acrobatic and combat skills to mark the anniversary day celebrations of the force, which was set up in 1965.
