Beyond safeguarding borders from infiltration in Kashmir, the Indian Army has opened previously restricted areas to tourism, boosting local economies. By developing infrastructure and ensuring security, areas like Bungus, Tangdar, and Gurez have transformed from conflict zones into thriving tourist destinations, showcasing the Army’s strategic success over the past decade.
Syed Showket
The border is a line of pride and demarcation for which our brave soldiers have made huge sacrifices to provide safety and security to our nation from external infiltration and attacks. Borders in J&K are very famous for infiltration, and the role of the Indian Army and security forces has made it guarded, providing a safe haven and protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. Our borders have proven to be some of the worst terrain—hilly and very difficult to protect. During all weather conditions, our brave soldiers have made it possible and thwarted the evil designs of neighbouring countries.
During all weather conditions, our soldiers have been alert and active. We have borders where we need to store food for months and years, where our soldiers can’t contact their families, where there is no proper air, and where there are wild animals and a harsh environment. We have borders where we encounter 20 to 30 feet of snow, and where our soldiers face very difficult weather. In all weather conditions, they live like tigers in the forest.
Due to the continuous vigilance of the army on the borders, Pakistan has been defeated even after trying many times. The Kargil War is still fresh in our minds when the Pakistani army was pushed back by the Indian army, saving our motherland from subjugation and occupation. The borders have been very strategic, and the protection of these borders is a must.
The Indian Army has played a crucial role in protecting the borders in Kashmir, particularly along the challenging terrain of the India-China and India-Pakistan borders. These areas are not only geographically demanding but are also of strategic importance, requiring constant vigilance and readiness.
The Indian Army conducts regular military exercises such as “Parvat Prahaar” in Ladakh to ensure operational readiness in high-altitude areas. These exercises focus on high-altitude warfare and operations, enabling soldiers to adapt to the harsh and often unpredictable conditions. This constant state of preparedness is vital for maintaining an effective defense posture near the India-China border.
To support the troops stationed at these high altitudes, India has invested heavily in infrastructure development. High-tech bunkers have been built along the India-China border, each capable of accommodating at least 120 troops. These bunkers are equipped with solar-powered air conditioning and sleeping quarters, ensuring that soldiers can endure extreme weather conditions. Additionally, two high-altitude tank repair facilities have been established in eastern Ladakh, enhancing the operational capability of armored units in the region.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) plays a pivotal role in maintaining and developing infrastructure along the borders. The BRO has constructed crucial India-China Border Roads (ICBRs) and key projects like the Atal Tunnel, Atal Setu, and Col Chewang Rinchen Setu, which are essential for the swift movement of troops and supplies. These roads and tunnels ensure that the Indian Army can quickly mobilize and respond to any threats along the border.
The Indian Army’s combat doctrine emphasizes the use of holding formations to contain the enemy while utilizing strike formations for counter-attacks. This strategy is crucial in a region like Kashmir, where quick and decisive action can make the difference between success and failure in defending the nation’s sovereignty. Through a combination of rigorous training, strategic infrastructure development, and a robust combat doctrine, the Indian Army has successfully safeguarded the borders in Kashmir, ensuring the security and integrity of the nation.
The Indian Army is known for valor, bravery, integrity, and keeping the nation safe in any situation. A poignant example of this bravery was demonstrated during the Galwan Valley clash, an incident that still resonates deeply. On the night of June 15, 2020, twenty Indian soldiers were martyred, ensuring no land was grabbed by the Chinese troops. Among them was Punjab’s Ghatak Platoon’s Shaheed Gurtej Singh, the youngest soldier martyred that day. His sacrifice epitomizes the courage and determination of our soldiers in protecting the nation’s sovereignty.
Besides protecting borders from infiltration in Kashmir, the Indian Army has promoted border tourism and developed infrastructure. The border areas, which were never open to the general public, have now been made accessible, attracting tourists from different countries to these previously unseen and unexplored places. By providing facilities at transit points and eliminating infiltration, the people living near the borders are very happy due to increased engagement and a boost in the local economy. Places like Bungus, TCP, Tangdar, Keran, Machil, and Gurez are prime examples of how the borders have been promoted as tourist destinations, transforming areas previously associated with terrorism into tourist attractions. This is a strategy that the Indian Army has been successfully implementing over the last ten years in Kashmir.
