Chandigarh: The Punjab government is all set to take strong action to break the back of terrorists and terrorism in the state. In a major development, the state Cabinet decided that 9 anti-drone systems will be deployed at the borders. The move comes amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, which also saw a drone attack by Pakistan inside Indian territory. Fortunately however, all the 50 drones fired by Pakistan were shot down by Indian armed forces.
High-tech system for vigilance
The Punjab government said that a high-tech system will be deployed to increase vigilance along the international border. The government is also taking steps to eradicate the drug trade which is often used to fund terrorism. The anti-drone system will also help in checking the trade of drugs using drones.
In a video message, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that the state was all set to take on terrorists head on. Security arrangements will be further strengthened in the state. Explaining 2 major decisions taken by the Cabinet, Mann said that the first decision was regarding procurement of the anti-drone system. The second one was that victims of terror attacks will now get free treatment at all government and private hospitals in the state. The Punjab government under its “Farishtey Scheme” included victims of terror attacks and war. Earlier this scheme covered only victims of road accidents.
Talking about the anti-drone system, the CM said that once Punjab acquires them, the drones of the enemy country will be intercepted and destroyed. He explained that due to the 532 kilometre-long border with Pakistan, drones are a major problem for the state. With the anti-drone system, the drones will be shot down. He further said that there are 6 districts which are close to the Pakistan border and in all of them, the anti-drone system, which the government plans to buy, will be deployed.
The BSF already has anti-drone systems, but the entire international border will now be guarded by the anti-drone system, he added.
Tensions with Pakistan on the rise
Following the Pahalgam attack, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ and struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. These strikes led to the destruction of 9 terror camps belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Indian Mujahideen.
Following India’s actions, Pakistan launched a counter attack with drones. However their efforts were in vain, as Indian security forces successfully struck down at least 50 drones on the intervening night of May 8-9, 2025.
