India tightens border security; Amit Shah’s big move against illegal infiltration explained

By Samira Vishwas On May 29, 2026

Gujarat: Gandhinagar witnessed a strong message on border security on Thursday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed concerns over illegal infiltration along the India-Bangladesh frontier. Speaking at a public gathering in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar, Shah said the Center is accelerating efforts to strengthen border infrastructure and surveillance in sensitive zones, particularly in West Bengal.

He stated that nearly 600 hectares of land have reportedly been transferred to the Border Security Force (BSF) in a short span of seven days to support expansion of border security facilities and monitoring systems.

Focus on Strategic “Chicken Neck” Corridor

Shah highlighted the importance of the narrow Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken Neck,” calling it a critical security zone connecting India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country. According to him, around 121 hectares of land have been allocated in this region to enhance surveillance capabilities and improve operational readiness.

He further claimed that increased security measures have begun to impact illegal infiltration routes, with reports suggesting that some individuals are returning voluntarily due to tighter enforcement along the border areas.

Detention Facilities and Fencing Work to Expand

The Home Minister also pointed to the development of detention and holding centers aimed at managing illegal immigration cases more systematically. He said that long-pending fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border is expected to resume soon, with the goal of closing vulnerable entry points.

Reiterating the government’s position, Shah said every illegal entrant would be identified and deported as part of the Centre’s enforcement strategy.

West Bengal Leadership Calls for Strict Enforcement

In a separate statement, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also addressed the issue of illegal immigration. He urged strict implementation of existing provisions under the Foreigners Act and suggested setting up holding centers in every district to manage such cases.

Adhikari said illegal entrants should not be kept in regular prisons, arguing that it places pressure on state resources. Instead, he stated that identified individuals should be returned to their country of origin.

He further claimed that coordination with neighboring authorities would be necessary for repatriation processes and emphasized that enforcement agencies must act within the existing legal framework to address infiltration concerns.