The Impressive TimesBhuj, Gujarat, May 30: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level security review meeting in Bhuj to assess border and coastal security arrangements in Gujarat’s districts adjoining the India-Pakistan border.
The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, senior state officials, district magistrates, and police chiefs from border districts including Kutch, Vav-Tharad, and Patan. Discussions focused on strengthening border management, tackling emerging security threats, and enhancing coordination between state and central agencies.
Addressing the meeting, Shah stated that improved border fencing, stronger maritime security measures, and the state government’s determined approach have significantly enhanced Gujarat’s security environment. He noted that incidents of infiltration and cross-border smuggling into the state have been effectively curbed.
The Home Minister directed authorities to adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy against unauthorized encroachments within a 15-kilometre radius of the international border. He also emphasized the need to closely monitor activities that could contribute to radicalization in border regions.
Highlighting demographic concerns, Shah instructed district administrations to regularly track and report population changes in border districts. He welcomed the trend of reverse migration driven by industrial development in these areas, calling it a positive sign for regional growth and stability.
He further urged officials at every level—from local revenue authorities to police personnel—to work in coordination to identify and facilitate the deportation of illegal infiltrators already residing in the region. District administrations were also asked to prepare district-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address challenges such as drone-related threats, narcotics trafficking, and illegal infiltration.
To improve inter-agency coordination, Shah proposed the formation of Security Coordination Groups in every border district. These groups would include representatives from the Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and banking institutions.
The Home Minister also called for enhanced surveillance on hawala transactions, suspicious financial activities, shell companies, mule bank accounts, and other economic crimes in border areas. He directed the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to conduct extensive surveys and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
Given Gujarat’s strategic coastal location near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), Shah stressed the importance of bolstering coastal security and maintaining close coordination with the Indian Coast Guard.
Additionally, he instructed authorities to ensure complete implementation of all Central and State government welfare schemes in border villages, alongside ongoing development initiatives under the Vibrant Villages Programme.
The meeting underscored the government’s focus on strengthening national security while promoting development and governance in strategically important border regions.
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