Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed authorities in Gujarat’s border districts to take a zero-tolerance stance on unauthorized encroachments, strengthen actions against illegal infiltration and financial crimes, and closely monitor demographic changes. Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Bhuj, discussing challenges and the state government’s role in enhancing border management. He emphasized the importance of border security measures, including fencing and maritime security, in curbing infiltration and smuggling activities.
Shah urged officials to remove unauthorized encroachments within the 0-15 kilometer belt along the international border and emphasized the need for vigilance against radicalization centers in border regions. Addressing concerns over demographic shifts, Shah highlighted the challenges posed by such changes and called for strict monitoring and reporting by District Magistrates. He also welcomed the reverse migration in some areas due to industrial development but stressed the need to identify and deport illegal infiltrators.
The Home Minister emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination and directed the establishment of Security Coordination Groups in every district. These groups will involve various agencies like the Border Security Force, Indian Coast Guard, and financial crime authorities. Shah stressed the need for monitoring hawala transactions, financial dealings, and suspicious activities in border districts, emphasizing the enforcement of laws related to income tax and anti-money laundering.
Shah also underscored the significance of coastal security, particularly in Gujarat’s coastal areas, and called for coordination with the Indian Coast Guard. He instructed officials to ensure that border villages receive the full benefits of government welfare programs and emphasized the implementation of initiatives like ‘Vibrant Villages’ for comprehensive development. The meeting aimed to bolster border management efforts and address evolving security, demographic, financial, and maritime challenges along India’s western frontier.
