HIRANAGAR, Aug 14: Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday said border villages in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed major development in the past decade, with roads extended up to the Zero Line, mobile towers installed and family bunkers, toilets and other infrastructure provided under the Narendra Modi-led government.
Singh made the remarks while leading a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ to the Zero Line along the International Border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district. The rally culminated at the Zero Line in Bobiya village.
During the programme, the Union Minister praised Border Security Force (BSF) personnel for guarding the frontier and appreciated their role during the recent floods in the region.
He said the role of the BSF extends beyond border security, particularly during emergencies, when its personnel provide relief and assistance to civilians.
Singh was also briefed about the BSF’s ‘Smart Border’ reinforcement plan, which is being initiated from the sector.
Paying tribute to BSF personnel deployed along the International Border, Singh said residents of border areas have historically faced the threat of cross-border firing but are now able to live with greater confidence because of the constant vigil maintained by security forces.
He said the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ was being organised in the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, which has encouraged people across the country to display the national flag and participate in activities promoting national pride.
Highlighting development in Kathua and the wider Jammu region since 2014, Singh said the government had undertaken major initiatives in connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, education and other sectors.
He said border areas that had traditionally suffered from inadequate infrastructure and connectivity have witnessed significant changes over the past decade.
The Minister highlighted the construction of family bunkers, mobile towers, roads extending up to the Zero Line, toilets and other border infrastructure, besides the provision of 4 per cent reservation for people living along the International Border.
He said improved road and rail connectivity and other development projects have contributed to enhancing the safety and quality of life of residents living in border villages.
Singh said the government was also focusing on strengthening border security through technology and innovation.
Referring to the ‘Smart Border’ initiative, he said modern technologies and surveillance systems would help prevent infiltration and provide more effective protection along the country’s frontiers.
Referring to the journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, Singh called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute actively to the country’s development.
He said the government had taken several steps to strengthen national pride and consciousness and described the growing participation in ‘Tiranga Yatras’ as a reflection of renewed patriotism.
The Minister said the development of border areas demonstrated the government’s focus on extending infrastructure and welfare measures to remote and rural communities.
The Tiranga Yatra at Bobiya witnessed enthusiastic participation by local residents, youth and supporters, who marched with the national flag and expressed their commitment to the unity, integrity and progress of the country.
