Infiltration into Gujarat, cross-border smuggling have completely ceased: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that border fencing, strengthened maritime security and the Gujarat government’s strong political will have brought about a significant transformation in the state’s security landscape, resulting in the complete cessation of infiltration into Gujarat and cross-border smuggling.

Chairing a security review meeting in Bhuj, Gujarat, on issues concerning the border and coastal districts located along the India-Pakistan Border (IPB), Shah emphasised that a zero-tolerance approach should be adopted towards all unauthorised encroachments within the 0–15 km belt along the international border and that efforts must be made to eliminate them.

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The Union Home Minister also stressed the need to maintain close surveillance on centres of radicalisation in border areas.

Shah stated that District Magistrates must strictly monitor and regularly report demographic changes occurring in border districts. He noted that reverse migration in these areas, driven by the establishment of industrial units, is a welcome development.

He said that officials at every level—from police stations to patwaris—should work in coordination to ensure the identification and deportation of illegal infiltrators who have already settled in the region.

The Home Minister directed local administrations to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to the specific challenges and requirements of each border district to facilitate the identification of infiltrators and address threats related to drones and narcotics.

Shah also called for the formation of Security Coordination Groups in every district, comprising representatives from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Lead Bank Manager.

He said responsibility for the effective enforcement of Income Tax, anti-money laundering and Customs laws should rest with the District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP) and Inspector General (IG), Border Range.

The Home Minister emphasised the need for strict vigilance over hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles and GST collections in border districts.

He further stated that agencies dealing with financial crimes must be kept fully informed about developments in border areas and suggested that the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), conduct extensive survey campaigns.

Highlighting the state’s proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Shah said coastal security must remain a top 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 all Central and state government welfare schemes should be ensured in border villages.