Amit Shah asks officials to demolish illegal constructions along Indo-Pak border

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked officials to demolish illegal structures along the borders, especially within a 15 km wide belt along the Indo-Pak international border

Resolve to enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards infiltration and all sorts of cross-border crimes. While chairing a high-level review meeting of officials from the Centre, the state government, and security agencies here Tuesday evening, Shah said the government is working on a robust 360° security grid for every border district, involving citizens, the state government, and security agencies.

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Rein in smuggling, keep a close watch on mule accounts, fake companies and forged Aadhaar cards, Shah said, adding that they must also curb infiltration, narcotics, encroachment, terror financing and trans-border crimes by integrating the Border Security Force (BSF) Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the Narcotics Control Bureau NCB and the State Government machinery.

District Magistrates should ensure legal and financial compliance of banks, verification of big business establishments and scrutiny of funding, he exhorted.

The crucial meeting was held to comprehensively assess security-related issues concerning the border districts along the Indo-Pakistan Border.

The Home Minister has asserted that the Centre has been committed to ensuring the highest standards of security along the international borders.

The meeting underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is firmly committed to ensuring the highest standards of security along the international borders while promoting close synergy between Central and State agencies for holistic development and safety of border areas.

Shah stressed the need for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions, particularly within 0-15 km of the international border. He directed the concerned authorities to demolish all such constructions.

At the meeting, the formulation of a 360-degree security framework for every border district was also considered. This integrated approach will actively involve local citizens, the state government, and all concerned security agencies. The officials concerned were asked to ensure this comprehensive and a robust border management.

The Union Home Minister directed District Magistrates to assume enhanced responsibilities, including ensuring full legal and financial compliance by banks, verifying major business establishments, scrutinizing their funding sources, tracking mule accounts and shell companies, identifying fake Aadhaar cards, and preventing smuggling.

During the meeting, emphasis was also laid on effective implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme(VVP-II) for strengthening last mile governance, curbing economic crimes, fulfilling infrastructural gaps and supporting border population.

The meeting was also attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior state government officials, along with the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of 5 border districts – Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, Phalodi.