Home Minister visits Tripura border, pledges to take effective measures against illegal infiltration

Agartala. The Central Government has indicated to adopt a tough stance to further strengthen the security arrangements on the India-Bangladesh border and to effectively stop illegal infiltration. Addressing Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Lankamuda border post in Tripura on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the abnormal change in population in border states like West Bengal, Tripura and Bihar will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The Home Minister said that the Central Government is working on a large scale to identify the shortcomings, weaknesses and challenges in the security of international borders and remove them. Modern technology based surveillance mechanisms are being given priority to prevent illegal infiltration, smuggling and other international crimes. He clearly said that the changes in population structure in West Bengal, Tripura and Bihar are a matter of concern and the government is taking all necessary steps to make the border security impenetrable. He said that technology-based security systems are being developed to completely eliminate illegal activities on international borders.

On this occasion, the Home Minister also mentioned the ambitious ‘Smart Border’ project of the Central Government. He informed that this project is in the final stage and will soon be implemented as a pilot project in seven to eight important border areas of the country. After getting successful results, it will be extended to other border areas in a phased manner. He said that under the Smart Border project, state-of-the-art sensors, smart fencing, drone surveillance systems and modern surveillance technologies will be integrated. Such a system will be developed in coordination with local administration and security agencies, so that suspicious activities can be immediately detected and prompt action is ensured.

Amit Shah said that Tripura Frontier is very important for us which protects the country’s border. He said that for the modernization of border fencing, we have also approved 119 kilometers of new fencing out of about 650 kilometers of fencing which is more than 15 years old. He said that projects like power supply to border outposts, green energy initiative, safe drinking water for soldiers etc. for the facilities of soldiers were not only started but we have also completed them.

According to the Home Minister, the border security system will be made more effective and accountable by coordination of technology and human resources. This will give new strength to crime control and national security in the border areas. It is noteworthy that in recent years, concerns regarding illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other international crimes have increased. Demographic changes and security challenges in the border states have also attracted the attention of the Central Government. In such a scenario, this statement of the Home Minister is considered important.

During his stay in Tripura, Amit Shah planted a sapling under the tree plantation campaign in Agartala, the capital of Tripura, on the occasion of World Environment Day. On this occasion, Chief Minister of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Secretary, Border Management and Director General, Border Security Force and many other dignitaries were present. Interacted with BSF personnel deployed on India-Bangladesh border and reviewed various aspects related to border security. Appreciating the role of BSF in protecting the sovereignty and security of the country, he encouraged the soldiers and called upon them to continue discharging their duties with vigilance and dedication.