Bhutanese SIM cards for SSB

With an aim to quickly exchange information on security issues, the Bhutan government has handed over Bhutanese SIM cards to the Indian security force SSB who guard the international border.

They were handed over during a recent meeting between SSB Director General BD Sharma and Chief of Royal Bhutan Police Kipchu Namgyel at the SSB Force HQ. The meeting also focused on strengthening bilateral relations and coordination. The SIM cards would be used in 17 border posts with which Bhutan had been facing difficulties in communications.

The militant groups such as NDFB and ULFA, who operate along the Indo Bhutan border areas, had been found to be using Bhutanese SIM cards for cross-border communication which made it difficult for Indian security forces to keep track of movements of rebels. The rebels have increased extortion and kidnapping of people from Bhutan in recent years.

SSB is also planning to establish a new helipad along the border so that it can be used during the emergency.