Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who chaired a security review meeting in Bhuj on Friday, has directed district magistrates of border districts to strictly monitor and report on demographic changes.
Security Review and Directives
An official statement released on Saturday stated that Shah also instructed district administrations of border districts to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the identification of infiltrators and the tracking of threats related to drones and narcotics. Earlier this week, Shah had announced that a high-level committee had been constituted to assess demographic changes across India due to “illegal immigration and other causes.”
Zero-Tolerance Approach
The statement emphasized that Shah stressed the adoption of a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorized encroachment within 15 kilometers along the international border. He also directed authorities to maintain close vigilance on centers of radicalization in border areas. The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, senior officers, and collectors and superintendents of police from the border districts of Kutch, Patan, and Vav-Tharad.
Reverse Migration and Coordination
Welcoming the trend of reverse migration occurring in border areas due to the establishment of industrial units, Shah emphasized that police and local revenue department officers should work in unison to ensure the deportation of illegal infiltrators. He also called for the formation of Security Coordination Groups in every border district, comprising the Border Security Force (BSF), Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate, and managers of leading banks in the area.
“The responsibility for the 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),” the statement quoted Shah as saying.
Financial Vigilance and Coastal Security
The Union home minister also highlighted the need to maintain strict vigilance over hawala transactions, dubious financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, and suspicious vehicles in border districts. Agencies dealing with financial crimes must be kept apprised of developments in border areas, and the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), should conduct extensive surveys, Shah said.
He also called for prioritizing coastal security and ensuring effective coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, given Kutch’s proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line. Shah noted that the strong political will of the state government and coordinated actions with central enforcement agencies have successfully curbed infiltration and smuggling along the border.
Scheme Saturation
Shah asked Gujarat to ensure 100% saturation of every scheme, both central and state government, in villages located along the international border.
