Construction of eight multi-storeyed bunker-cum-observation posts at Sir Creek

New Delhi. Pakistan has objected to the construction of Border Out Posts (BOPs) at Sir Creek in Gujarat by India. Pakistan has said that this is the part of the border line, which is disputed by both the sides. On this, India has insisted that this construction is being done in its territory and this area completely belongs to India. Officials said that in a local commander-level meeting with the Border Security Force (BSF) last month, the Pakistani Rangers objected to the ‘construction of BoP at Samudra Bet by the CPWD’.

A senior official told that India traditionally patrols the waterway near the area where the BOP is coming. But Pakistan has now said that it has papers to prove that the Indian line of claim is to the east of the estuary…about 1 km from the island where the construction is taking place.’ Rs 50 crore was sanctioned for the construction of eight multi-storey bunker-cum-observation posts. Officials said that this decision has been taken in view of the frequent intrusion of Pakistani fishermen and fishing boats in the area.

8 multi-storey bunker-cum-observation post at Sir Creek will help BSF
India has decided to construct three BOPs – Lakhpat Wari Bet, Dufa Bet and Samudra Bet. These constructions are meant to give BSF a vantage position to guard the borders. 42 feet high ‘vertical bunker’ will be constructed in three BOPs. It will have space to install surveillance equipment and radars, so that the area can be monitored. The other floors will have the capacity to house around 15 armed BSF personnel and their logistics.

Infiltration from Sir Creek and ‘Harami Nala’ swamp will be curbed
Samudra Bet, which is situated on an island, has now become a point of dispute with Pakistan. Pakistan has called the island ‘Maurya Bet’ and has claimed the area as its own. India has taken forward the construction with speed in its area. CPWD is constructing the BoP. Roads are being constructed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to reach the BOP. Considering the intensity of Pakistani opposition and the sensitivity of the area, the Indian Army has also been included in it. India is committed to building these BOPs, as the permanent concrete structures will give the BSF a strategic advantage of being deployed along the international border at Sir Creek and the ‘Harami Nala’ swamp. According to official data, 22 Pakistani fishermen, 79 fishing boats and heroin worth Rs 250 crore were seized by the BSF from this area of Gujarat in 2022.