Despite being no stranger to threats from across the border, Gujarat — the only Indian state sharing both a land and sea boundary with Pakistan — finds itself once again tightening its security grid as tensions between the two countries escalate.
Following Pakistan’s attempted military strikes on Bhuj in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, Gujarat has gone into high alert, cancelling police leave across the state and activating multi-agency coordination to secure its vast and porous borders. On Wednesday, Gagandeep Gambhir, Inspector General (Administration), issued orders directing all officers to return to duty with immediate effect.
With a 512-km international land border comprising desert and marshes, and a revised coastline of 2,340 km — the longest in the country — Gujarat faces a unique challenge. In the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, joint patrolling between the Border Security Force (BSF) and state police has intensified, especially in the Kutch district, which not only shares the most extensive border with Pakistan but is also India’s largest district in area, characterised by sparse population and harsh terrain.
A national newspaper quoted Kutch (West) Superintendent of Police Vikas Sunda, as saying that security coordination has been significantly enhanced, with multiple intelligence and enforcement agencies pooling resources. The administration is also actively involving civilians — including long-settled border villagers — as well as members of the Sagar Rakshak Dal (SRD) and the Fishermen’s Watch Group to serve as force multipliers.
The report adds that in Banaskantha, the police have inducted members of the Pagi tribe, known for their exceptional tracking skills in the desert. SP Akshayraj Makwana noted that these local trackers have been accompanying camel-mounted patrol units to navigate and monitor the arid terrain. The Pagi tribe had a role in India’s military operations during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
On the western coast, scrutiny of fishing activities has been stepped up significantly. Police are conducting document verification of boats, owners, and fishermen across all coastal districts. Random cargo checks are being carried out, and local leaders and watch groups have been instructed to report any suspicious movement. This alert comes with a chilling historical reminder — the boat ‘MV Kuber’, used by the 26/11 attackers, originated from Porbandar.
In Jamnagar, although fishing has not been stopped, SP Premsukh Delu confirmed that fishermen have been told not to approach the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). With assistance from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), coastal settlements are now patrolled and monitored around-the-clock to safeguard vital infrastructure, such as the nearby refinery.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Amit Vishwakarma, in charge of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and coastal security, said that all vital installations, including ports and temples, are under heightened vigilance. As part of standard coastal policing measures, routine checks of fishing vessels are ongoing, he added.
Security has been firmed up in temples like Ambaji, Dwarka, and Somnath, which are all situated in districts near the border. SP Manoharsinh Jadeja confirmed an overhaul of temple security in Gir-Somnath district, which is connected to the union territory of Diu by a bridge. This includes regular sweeps by Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) and canine teams, as well as armed patrols.
Furthermore, the Marine Task Force (MTF) has been stationed across 12 vital coastal locations in Saurashtra, Kutch, and South Gujarat. According to MTF DIG R.T. Sushra, 500 trained commandos are on reserve and on patrol in coordination with the Coast Guard and local police teams. These patrols also extend to the chain of 23 islands off Dwarka district, 21 of which are uninhabited. Beyt Dwarka, currently being developed as a religious eco-tourism destination, and Ajad Tapu, home to a small community of 50 inhabitants, are under constant surveillance. SP Nitesh Pandey confirmed increased patrolling across these islands, noting that settlements on seven others were cleared in 2024 for national security reasons.
In South Gujarat, security protocols are being implemented not only at sea but also along industrial hubs near the coast. In Surat, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Deep Vakil said police teams from multiple stations had met with security officers of multinational corporations located in the Hazira industrial zone — including Reliance, L&T, AM/NS, NTPC, ONGC, Shell, and others — to conduct focused mock drills and instruct on tightened internal checks.
Contractors have been asked to verify the identities of all labourers, with a particular focus on those with criminal records or questionable nationality. Authorities have instructed that any Bangladeshi nationals working without documentation be reported immediately to local police.
DIG Sushra added that in Surat and Valsad, surprise security inspections had been carried out in sensitive coastal industrial zones. Fishermen have also been advised not to venture too deep into the sea, while civilian awareness campaigns are ongoing across coastal communities.
Despite the heightened state of alert, daily life continues largely unaffected. Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel clarified that there were no orders to suspend government functions, although medical supplies had been pre-positioned as a precautionary measure. Schools across the state remain closed for the summer break.
In Gir-Somnath, collector NV Upadhyay told the daily that the Somnath temple remains open, and no special restrictions have been placed on fishing activity.
The multi-layered security framework of Gujarat comprises land and sea forces operating in coordination. While the Indian Navy patrols the IMBL, the Indian Coast Guard monitors the coastal waters, with state Coastal Police and MTF commandos forming the final line of defence. The BSF, meanwhile, guards the land border, supported by district police units. Gujarat also hosts several strategic Indian Air Force bases, adding to its defence preparedness.
Also Read: “None Of Our Business”: J. D. Vance on India-Pakistan Conflict https://www.vibesofindia.com/none-of-our-business-j-d-vance-on-india-pakistan-conflict/
