In a significant step towards modernizing border surveillance, the Border Security Force (BSF) has started equipping its personnel along the Indo-Bangladesh border with body-worn cameras (BWCs). These devices are expected to strengthen transparency in border operations, deter illegal activities, and serve as electronic evidence in case of disputes or allegations of excessive force.

According to officials, 2,500 body-worn cameras have already been distributed to BSF personnel, with an additional 2,500 units to be deployed in the coming weeks. The compact, battery-operated digital cameras come with night-recording capabilities and are attached to uniform shirts or winter jackets. They will be used to record arrests, pushbacks of illegal immigrants, smugglers’ movements, and any incidents involving attacks or disagreements during patrolling.

The decision to introduce these cameras comes in response to a rise in cross-border incidents. In 2024, there were 77 recorded attacks on BSF troops along the Indo-Bangladesh border. In the first half of 2025 alone, 35 such incidents have already taken place. The number of infiltration attempts has also grown. Last year, BSF apprehended 2,425 people attempting to enter India and 1,049 individuals trying to cross into Bangladesh. From January 1 to July 15 this year, 1,372 incoming and 3,536 outgoing illegal movements have been detected.

Officers said the cameras will improve safety and accountability, while helping reduce false allegations made by illegal entrants or even the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB). The footage will be crucial for internal reviews and bilateral discussions when incidents occur.

In addition to body-worn cameras, BSF has installed biometric authentication systems at high-sensitivity posts along the border. These systems are linked with the Bureau of Immigration’s Foreigners Identification Portal (FIP) and are being used to instantly verify and log the details of illegal immigrants. The goal is to create a central record to prevent repeat infiltration attempts. More than 2,500 Bangladeshi nationals have been deported in recent months through official border crossings.

India shares a 4,096-kilometre-long border with Bangladesh, touching five states — West Bengal (2,216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km), and Mizoram (318 km). The terrain includes riverine stretches, forested areas, and densely populated villages, making surveillance and fencing a major challenge. Of the total border length, only 3,196 km is fenced; the remaining 850 km is largely unfenced due to floods, proximity of human settlements, and geographic difficulties.

To counter these limitations, BSF has increased round-the-clock surveillance through observation posts, border floodlights, watercraft patrols, and floating border outposts.

During the BSF-BGB Director General-level talks held in February this year, India raised concerns about attacks on BSF personnel and Indian civilians by miscreants based in Bangladesh. Both sides agreed to intensify coordinated patrols, especially at night, and share real-time intelligence on trafficking networks. They also committed to assisting in the rescue and rehabilitation of human trafficking victims.

The introduction of body-worn cameras is being seen as a step toward fulfilling those commitments and reducing the scope for conflict or miscommunication during sensitive cross-border operations.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited a forward post in Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world, where he interacted with troops of the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (18 JAK RIF) and shared emotional moments with soldiers he had once commanded.

During his visit, General Dwivedi reunited with seven Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers who had served under him in the same battalion during his early years in service. The Indian Army shared photos from the visit on social media, calling the interaction “emotionally resonant” as the Army Chief returned to the battalion he was once commissioned into and later led.

The visit followed his address at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on July 26, where he commemorated the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. There, he announced the formation of a new integrated “all-arms brigade” named ‘Rudra’, sanctioned just a day prior. The move is seen as a significant step in bolstering India’s operational readiness along the northern borders.

Speaking at the memorial, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to national security, stating that just like during the Kargil conflict, India responded with precision and strength during the recent Operation Sindoor. “Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and answer,” he said, referencing India’s strong military response to cross-border terrorist infrastructure in May 2025.

He also condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a cowardly act that wounded the entire nation. Emphasising the Indian Army’s no-tolerance policy, the COAS said, “This time India did not express doubt. The decision was that the answer would be decisive. With the strategic freedom granted by the Government, the Indian forces gave a determined, precise, and decisive response.”

General Dwivedi’s visit to Siachen not only reinforced morale among soldiers in harsh conditions but also highlighted the leadership’s continued engagement with frontline troops and its commitment to defending every inch of Indian territory.

A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan from Rajasthan, Suresh Kumar Maharia, tragically lost his life in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh after slipping and falling into a 60-foot-deep gorge. The incident took place between Tamia and Parasia on the evening of July 25.

According to reports, the jawan, a resident of Kansarda ki Dhani in Jajod, Shri Madhopur, had stepped out of a vehicle near Lahgadua-Ankhawadi and was heading towards a nearby hill when he slipped and fell into the ravine. A rescue operation lasting nearly two hours was launched amid heavy rainfall, with help from Parasia Police and emergency responders. He was pulled out with the help of ropes and rushed to a hospital via ambulance, where doctors declared him dead.

His mortal remains will arrive in Shri Madhopur by 12 noon today. A funeral procession with full military honours and the national flag will be held in his honour.

Suresh Kumar Maharia had joined the CISF in 2015. He is survived by his wife, a homemaker, a daughter currently in college, and a son studying in Class 10. His father works in agriculture, while his mother had passed away earlier. His younger brother is employed in the private sector, and his brother’s wife serves in the Rajasthan Police.

The news of his untimely demise has cast a shadow of grief over his native village.

In a major anti-smuggling operation, Border Security Force (BSF) personnel shot dead two suspected Bangladeshi smugglers along the India-Bangladesh border in South Tripura’s Amzadnagar in the early hours of Friday. A third Bangladeshi was injured during the encounter, and two Indian nationals were arrested for their involvement in the cross-border smuggling attempt.

According to BSF officials, troops deployed at the international border were on heightened alert when they intercepted a group attempting to smuggle a large consignment of medicines. “The smugglers turned violent when challenged. In self-defence, the BSF opened fire,” said a senior officer of the border-guarding force.

One of the Bangladeshi intruders died on the spot, while two others were injured and dragged back across the border by their accomplices. Of the two, one later died at the Parshuram Upazila health centre in Bangladesh. The third injured smuggler remains hospitalised.

A medicine consignment valued at ₹15 lakh was recovered from the site. Authorities confirmed that the body of the smuggler who died on Indian soil was handed over to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in the presence of senior officers on Friday.

A commandant-level flag meeting was convened between BSF and BGB following the incident. During the meeting, Bangladeshi officials raised concerns over the firing. “We conveyed that the BSF had no option but to retaliate in self-defence. Smuggling attempts across the border will not be tolerated,” the BSF officer said.

Tripura Police also confirmed the arrest of two Indian nationals linked to the smuggling ring. Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ranadhir Debbarma said investigations are underway to identify the broader network involved in the smuggling of high-value pharmaceutical goods across the international border.

For the first time in India’s history, the families of soldiers will receive proactive legal assistance while their loved ones serve in remote and difficult terrains. The landmark initiative, called the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana 2025, was officially launched today in Srinagar by Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the next Chief Justice of India.

The scheme is designed to relieve military personnel of domestic legal burdens, enabling them to focus on national service without being distracted by unresolved family legal disputes.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present at the launch event.

According to officials, the idea for the programme emerged in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a recent counter-terror operation that highlighted the sacrifices and challenges faced by Indian soldiers. Sources said Justice Surya Kant was deeply moved by the hardships experienced by the armed forces and began exploring how the legal system could offer meaningful support.

Justice Kant reportedly stated that the legal fraternity must stand behind those who risk their lives for the nation and ensure that their families do not suffer in silence when it comes to legal issues.

The new scheme addresses a critical gap: soldiers posted in high-conflict or remote areas are often unable to attend court hearings related to property disputes, land cases, or family matters. A soldier stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, for instance, may not get leave to attend a court hearing in Kerala.

Under the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana, NALSA will ensure that such cases are followed through in court with proper representation. The legal support will also extend to paramilitary personnel, including the BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and others deployed in similarly challenging environments.

Justice Surya Kant is expected to formally assume office as the Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025. The legal aid scheme marks one of his final acts as NALSA chairman and a significant legacy for military welfare from the judiciary.