JAISALMER: Many areas of Rajasthan, adjoining the international border, are receiving signals of Pakistani mobile companies within the range of 15-20 kms inside the Indian territory, states a report published in Times of India.

It is alleged that many smugglers and spies of Jaisalmer and Barmer use Pakistani SIM cards and give out strategic and confidential information to Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

According to the international rules in telecom sector, mobile network of any country can go up to 500 meters of the borders of the other country. Indian authorities claim that Pakistan is violating the international law and is proving to be a security threat.

On last Tuesday a meeting of LIA (Lead Intelligence Agencies) (security and intelligence of region) was organised during which the security issue, regarding the transmission of cellular signals, was raised and discussed at length. It was proposed that strict action should be taken against the violators.

According to the sources of Times of India, Pakistan is accused of setting up over three dozen new mobile towers near the international border adjoining Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Ganganagar and Barmer in Rajasthan. The signals of these mobile towers are being transmitted into the Indian territory up to 15-20 kms, which is becoming a threat to the security for India.

Indian authorities alleged that the mobile signals of Pakistani mobile companies are getting into the Indian territory because of which many smugglers and spies are getting Pakistani SIM cards through passengers in large numbers through the Thar Express.

There is no facility of scanning passengers coming by Thar express at Munabao Railway Station which is why people are able to carry Pakistani SIM cards without being noticed.

Sources claimed that few old smugglers operating in Longewala, Ghotaru, Ramgarh area in Jaisalmer district, climb the old towers and use Pakistani SIMS to send classified information to intelligence agencies.

Indian authorities claimed to have found Pakistani SIM cards from spies arrested recently.

Sources also alleged that Pakistan has installed mobile towers opposite Rajasthan border at Khokharapar, Chacharo, Jumantar, Mubarka Fort Abbas, Mantharbanglo, Mandi Sadiikganj, Minchandabad, Bhawal Nagar, Dungabunga, Harunabad, Fakirewanar, Hasilpur, rahimyar khan, Mandi Sadi Mangal, Gabbar Kehju and Sadikabad.

The telecom companies whose mobile signals are reaching within India are Veridatel, Oasis Pak, Telenor, PKPL, Pak Pal Mobiling, U-phone, PT Soral and Hutch.

Jaisalmer Telecom Officer Yogesh Bhaskar confirmed about signals transmitted by Pakistani mobile companies reaching India and said, “It is an international matter therefore will be solved at the higher level.”

He went on to add that, “Pakistan’s mobile signals are coming on separate frequency and network therefore we do not have any technique to jam their signals. The issue has been raised in the meetings held between the BSF and Pakistani rangers.”

Jaisalmer District Collector prohibited the use of Pakistani SIM cards and has directed the concerned authorities to take strict action against the people violating this order.

District Collector and Magistrate, Suchi Tyagi, under section 144 has ordered that no person will use Pakistani SIM cards and will contact people in Pakistan in any area from where contact could be made in Pakistan using the Pakistani network.

By arrangement with Times of India