ISLAMABAD, June 23: The government is constructing 100 outposts (OPs) for the Punjab Rangers to maintain better vigilance along the border with India.

According to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in the budget 2002-3, 38 more outposts would be established along the border for which land is being acquired with the allocated amount of Rs7.123 million.

The sum of Rs132million has already been spent on the project the total cost of which is estimated at Rs168.500 million, while Rs39.645 million has been allocated for the project in the next fiscal year.

The erection of a fence along the border as well as laying down of innumerable explosive mines in the area by the Indian armed forces has prompted the government to devise the counter plan.

The OPs would help avert attacks on the border security guards from the Indian side and would make the Punjab Rangers position stronger. They are also expected to help prevent smuggling along one of the most tension-ridden international borders.