Punjab Police introduces drone emergency response system to combat cross-border smuggling
DERS deployed in 14 Pathankot villages near international border, enhancing security
Pathankot, June 11: In an effort to combat the cross-border smuggling of drugs and arms, Punjab Police has launched a drone emergency response system (DERS) in the border district of Pathankot. The implementation of DERS covers 14 villages located within a 2-kilometer radius of the international border.
The primary objective of the drone emergency response system is to prevent the illicit transportation of narcotics and weapons into Punjab from neighboring countries, specifically through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The police will collaborate with village-level defense committees situated along the India-Pakistan border to ensure swift and coordinated responses to instances of smuggling.
Security agencies in Punjab have been facing significant challenges due to the frequent movement of drones involved in drug and weapons smuggling across the border. Despite the efforts of the Border Security Force (BSF), which has intercepted numerous drones and seized packets of heroin in recent times, the issue persists. The border between Punjab and Pakistan spans 553 kilometers, making it a vulnerable region for such activities.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit, during his visit to the border districts, expressed concerns about drug trafficking from Pakistan and advocated for surgical strikes to deter such activities. Purohit commended the Punjab Police and district administrations for their continuous efforts in combating drug smuggling, enhancing border security, and addressing the drone issue.
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Senior Superintendent of Police Harkamal Preet Singh Khakh of Pathankot informed that the drone emergency response system is currently being implemented on a pilot basis and will eventually be replicated in other border districts of the state. The initial phase of DERS is being executed in the 14 designated villages near the international border.
Two village police officers (VPOs) have been assigned to each of these villages. The VPOs, who are local residents, will collaborate with village-level defense committees (VLDCs) to monitor and report any suspicious activities within their respective villages. Upon observing drone movements, the VPOs will activate the VLDCs and inform the police control room.
To prevent the retrieval of contraband or weapons dropped by Pakistani drones, the VPOs, together with the VLDCs, will cordon off the affected area until the arrival of the police team. The response time will be swift, with primary action initiated without delay, followed by secondary and tertiary responses within 5 to 10 minutes and 15 to 20 minutes, respectively. This approach aims to ensure the quick apprehension of individuals involved in unlawful activities.
VLDCs have been established in Punjab's border districts to monitor suspicious movements effectively. In Gurdaspur, for instance, VLDCs comprising 11 members each have been set up in 265 villages located within 15 kilometers of the international border. The VLDC members consist of village heads, ex-servicemen, and influential individuals who promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
To facilitate communication and information sharing, WhatsApp groups have been created for the VLDCs, and a joint command and control center has been established at the deputy commissioner's office. The district administration of Gurdaspur has been commended for its efforts in setting up VLDCs and installing 94 cameras across the district, with a particular focus on border areas. These cameras provide live feeds that are monitored jointly by police and civil officials.
Furthermore, 30 panchayats in Gurdaspur have passed resolutions pledging to eliminate drug-related activities from their villages within the next six months. In support of these initiatives, the state government has allocated Rs 20 crore for the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations in border villages. These cameras will aid in strict surveillance of drone movements and cross-border smuggling activities.
In a bid to gather intelligence and encourage public participation, the Punjab Police had previously announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for information leading to the recovery of weapons and narcotics linked to drone movements.
Overall, the implementation of the drone emergency response system and the establishment of village-level defense committees are crucial steps taken by the Punjab Police to counter the smuggling of drugs and arms across the border. These initiatives aim to safeguard the state's security and prevent the influx of illicit substances and weaponry.
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