New Delhi, May 30: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday chaired a security review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, to assess security-related issues concerning border and coastal districts situated along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB).
The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, senior state government officials, and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Kutch, Vav-Tharad and Patan.
According to an official statement, the meeting focused on challenges, threats, and emerging concerns in border areas, with emphasis on achieving more robust and comprehensive border management through the active role of the state government, particularly district administrations and police.
During the meeting, Shah said border fencing, maritime border security, and the strong political will of the state government had brought about a significant transformation in Gujarat’s security landscape.
“This has resulted in the complete cessation of infiltration into the state and smuggling on the border,” he said.
The Union Home Minister emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted towards all unauthorised encroachments within the 0-15 km belt along the international border and efforts should be made to eliminate them.
He also stressed the need to maintain close watch on centres of radicalisation in border areas.
Shah said District Magistrates must strictly monitor and regularly report on demographic changes in border districts.
He said reverse migration in border areas due to the establishment of industrial units was a welcome development.
He directed that everyone from police station to patwari should work in unison to ensure deportation of already settled illegal infiltrators.
Shah also asked local administrations to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for district-specific challenges to ensure identification of existing infiltrators and address threats related to drones and narcotics.
The Union Home Minister further directed formation of Security Coordination Groups in every district comprising the Border Security Force (BSF), Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Lead Bank Manager.
He said the responsibility for effective enforcement of Income Tax, anti-money laundering and Customs laws should rest with the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police and Inspector General, Border Range.
Shah also stressed strict vigil over hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles and GST collections in border districts.
He said agencies combating financial crimes should be kept fully apprised regarding border areas and directed the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with the RBI, to conduct extensive survey campaigns.
Given Gujarat’s proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Shah said coastal security must remain a priority and called for effective coordination with the Indian Coast Guard.
He also directed that alongside the Vibrant Villages initiative, 100 per cent saturation of every Central and State government welfare scheme be ensured in border villages.
