- By Imran Zafar
- Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan sustained serious injuries in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast ahead of the fence along the India-Pakistan international border in Punjab's Gurdaspur district on the intervening night of April 8 and 9. This marks the first such use of IEDs along the 553-km border stretch in Punjab, prompting an alert across the entire frontier and suspension of farming near the blast site.
According to the BSF, a patrol team conducting an "area domination" exercise near Dorangla village detected multiple IEDs concealed within Indian territory. While cordoning and neutralising the area, one of the devices accidentally triggered, causing a constable-level jawan to suffer a serious leg injury, including the loss of a toe.
Despite the blast, BSF troops managed to secure the area and avert a potential tragedy for other personnel and local farmers who frequently use the route during the day. The remaining IEDs were safely defused after sunrise. The BSF lauded the bravery of its personnel for preventing mass casualties and protecting civilian lives.
BSF officials suspect cross-border involvement, noting that while Gurdaspur has witnessed drone-based smuggling of narcotics from Pakistan, this is the first time an IED has been used. A detailed technical and forensic investigation is underway, after which a formal protest will be lodged with the Pakistan Rangers.
"This is the first time that an IED attack has taken place in this area or anywhere along the Punjab border or for that matter across the entire 2,289 kms of this IB," the officer said.
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Senior BSF officers from the Punjab Frontier have reached the blast site to review security. The force is considering a change in its border patrolling strategy, which currently includes foot and horseback patrols. A complaint will also be filed with the local police.
