The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the redeployment of BSF jawans from Odisha to Jammu, responding to increased terrorist activities and infiltration along the Pakistan border. This decision raises concerns about a possible resurgence of Maoist activities in Odisha’s Malkangiri and Koraput areas, where BSF jawans have been crucial in maintaining security.

Approximately 2,000 BSF jawans from two battalions stationed in Malkangiri and Koraput will be transferred to the Rajouri sector in Jammu’s Punj district. These personnel have played a vital role in securing sensitive areas such as Lalgarh, Swaviman Achal, Tutsi Hills, Motu, and Govindpali. The BSF’s presence in these regions has been instrumental in controlling Maoist insurgency, particularly since 2010.
In addition to their security efforts, BSF jawans have contributed to infrastructure development, including the construction of the Gurpriya Setu bridge. Despite their successes in Odisha, the rising threat on the Indo-Pak border necessitates this redeployment. The BSF, India’s first line of defense, is responsible for securing the 2,289 km long international border stretching from Jammu to Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Initially, the Union Home Ministry intended to transfer these battalions to Chhattisgarh to address Maoist activities. However, following the deaths of several BSF jawans during election processes, the decision was made to reinforce the Jammu and Kashmir Line of Control instead. This move underscores the evolving security priorities and challenges faced by India’s border forces.