Punjab wants 'sensitive' status for border area

Bathinda (Punjab), Jan 4: The Punjab government on Monday urged the Centre to accord "sensitive" status to areas along the international border with Pakistan in view of recent attacks by Pakistani terrorists.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal told the media here on Monday that the Punjab government will demand sensitive status for the international border on the lines of neighbouring Jammu-Kashmir.

"We want thick security cover for Punjab's international border, the way it has been done for the Jammu-Kashmir international border," Badal said.

"In order to strengthen security along the international borders of Punjab in Pathankot, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur districts, the state will demand from the central government deployment of more battalions of the BSF," he said.

Badal added that the Punjab government was also chalking out a strategy to prepare a second line of defence along the Pakistan border.

Terrorists attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station early on Saturday. Four terrorists have been killed. Security forces lost seven personnel in the counter offensive.

IANS