A pillar being installed on the Pakistan side near Sadiqi Joint Check Post in the Fazilka sector. Tribune photo

Praful Chander Nagpal

Fazilka, December 20

Pakistan today started the installation of a tall flag post at the India-Pakistan Joint Check Post, Sadiqi, in Fazilka sector. Sources said Pakistan would install 360-feet-high iron pillars and flag on top of them at a stone’s throw from the International Border. Big cranes have been pressed into service for the work.The BSF has expressed concern over the move. Notably, Fazilka is a strategically important area as it is surrounded by three sides from Pakistan. The security forces have to be more watchful in this area, especially during a tense situation. In 1960s, the Government of India had offered land to Pakistan in the Fazilka area in exchange of territories when India retrieved Bhagat Singh’s memorial its neighbour near the Ferozepur border. India’s concern revolves around security and surveillance issues. The security forces fear that the new masts could be used for spying. However, the BSF authorities are tight-lipped over the issue.A large number of residents who thronged the JCP, Sadiqi, to witness the Retreat Ceremony also noticed the installation of flag today.