Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) has reported that at least 72 terror launchpads have become operational across the border in Pakistan since the four-day Operation Sindoor, which took place from May 7 to May 10. This includes 12 launchpads in the depth areas near Sialkot and Zaffarwal, according to BSF officials, who stressed that the force remains fully alert to maintain a “zero” cross-border infiltration policy in the Jammu region.

Addressing the BSF’s annual press conference in Jammu on Saturday, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Vikram Kunwar provided a detailed account of the post-Operation Sindoor security scenario. He said that the BSF had successfully destroyed several terror launchpads along the border during the operation. However, he noted that Pakistan shifted some of these facilities to deeper areas within its territory, although the practice of maintaining launchpads persists.

“After the BSF destroyed many terror launchpads along the border during Operation Sindoor, the Pakistan government had decided to shift all such facilities to the depth areas. But old habits die hard,” Kunwar said. He added that 72 launchpads are currently operational across the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC), with 12 located in Sialkot and Zaffarwal’s depth areas, and the remaining 60 situated deeper along the LoC.

The DIG explained that these launchpads do not maintain permanent terrorist presence but are activated when militants are to be deployed into India. “They do not sit there permanently. These launchpads are generally active when terrorists have to be pushed. They are not kept in more than two or three groups,” he said. He further elaborated that there are no training camps in areas close to the IB at present, indicating that the training and preparation primarily occur at launchpads situated in depth areas.

According to reports, militants from different outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba, previously operated in distinct zones. However, post-Operation Sindoor, the groups now train together in mixed units, allowing flexibility in deployment. Kunwar said, “Earlier, they used to have areas marked, where those belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad would be active on the down side, and those from Lashkar-e-Taiba would be active on the upper side. After Operation Sindoor, they formed a mixed group. Those who want can get training in a mixed group.”

When questioned about potential future operations similar to Sindoor, Inspector General (IG) Shashank Anand of the BSF Jammu Frontier confirmed the force’s preparedness. “If we talk about 1965, 1971, the 1999 Kargil War, or Operation Sindoor, the BSF has a good experience of all kinds of wars, be it conventional or hybrid warfare. We are ready. If we get a chance, we are capable of causing more damage than what we did in May. Whatever policy the government decides, the BSF will play its role in it,” he stated.

IG Anand also provided insights into Pakistan’s military posture following Operation Sindoor. He noted that Pakistani Rangers, who had temporarily abandoned posts during the operation, have since returned. “When the situation becomes normal, it’s mandatory to return to the posts. It took them a lot of time to recover from the damages inflicted by the BSF. In some locations, they have tried to strengthen their defence. But all of their activities are under our surveillance,” he said.

The IG reaffirmed the BSF’s commitment to the government’s zero-infiltration policy and said the force is constantly monitoring activities along the IB. “We are committed to zero infiltration policy of the government and are ready to thwart any challenge at the IB,” he added.

The annual press conference, held two days prior to the BSF Raising Day on December 1, highlighted the achievements of the force in 2025, including its role in Operation Sindoor and its response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

The BSF leadership also addressed emerging threats, particularly the use of drones in modern conflicts. IG Anand noted that the force has adapted to evolving warfare dynamics, referencing aerial threats observed in global conflicts such as Russia-Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Israel-Palestine, Israel-Iran, and India-Pakistan. He said, “The wars in the 21st century have an aerial dimension. Every country has tried to exploit the aerial dimension. The BSF has been dealing with the challenge since 2019 and the force has evolved itself. Not only have we trained our troops but have also installed counter-drone systems that are functional.”

The BSF’s proactive measures, including surveillance, strategic deployments, and counter-drone technology, underscore India’s focus on safeguarding its borders and preventing infiltration. The force emphasized that operational readiness, coupled with continuous intelligence monitoring, ensures that any attempt to breach the border will be promptly countered.

In summary, while Pakistan has re-established multiple terror launchpads, the BSF remains vigilant, equipped with modern tools, and trained personnel to uphold India’s border security. The developments underscore the persistent challenges of cross-border terrorism and the continued importance of proactive operations such as Operation Sindoor to neutralize threats before they reach Indian territory.