Amit Shah Emphasizes Enhanced Border Security Measures Against Infiltration

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has identified infiltration from the eastern border as a significant threat to national security and demographic balance. He has issued strict directives to the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure that illegal entries are completely halted and to identify and deport those who have already entered the country unlawfully. Speaking at the Rustamji Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, Shah urged the BSF to extend its role beyond mere border surveillance and collaborate with local administration, police, and rural systems to identify infiltrators and their routes.

The Home Minister expressed concerns that organized infiltration from across the eastern border aims to alter the country’s natural demographic structure. To counter this, a systematic and sustainable framework will be developed. He instructed the BSF to maintain continuous communication with village patwaris, district officers, superintendents of police, block development officers, and local police to gather timely information on new infiltrators, their entry points, and smuggling networks. The government's goal is to systematically close all these routes.

Amit Shah noted that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the BSF, and on this occasion, the borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan will be transformed into 'smart borders' equipped with modern technology. This initiative will enhance surveillance using drones, radars, smart cameras, and other advanced technological tools. These systems will not only help prevent infiltration but also combat drug trafficking, animal smuggling, the circulation of counterfeit Indian currency, and drone activities related to weapons and narcotics.

The Home Minister highlighted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is actively working in border states like Tripura, Assam, and West Bengal, firmly believing that every infiltrator must be expelled from the country. He emphasized that the BSF should function as a comprehensive security mechanism rather than being limited to border monitoring. Continuous information exchange with local administration and security agencies is essential for effective control over infiltration and smuggling.

Shah also mentioned that a high-level demographic mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon commence. This mission aims to conduct an in-depth study of the country’s demographic situation and devise solutions to challenges posed by illegal infiltration. While he did not disclose detailed plans for the mission, he indicated that it would play a crucial role in border management and national security policy.

In his address, the Home Minister referred to the government's campaign to eradicate Naxalism. He praised the efforts of the BSF, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and various state police forces, stating that the goal of eliminating Naxalism by March 31, 2026, is achievable. Shah recounted that when this target was set, many retired police officials deemed it impossible, yet the central government remained steadfast in its commitment. Through the joint efforts of various security forces and state governments, significant progress has been made in addressing this long-standing issue.

He asserted that the perspective on security should not be limited to merely controlling threats but should focus on eradicating problems at their roots. This philosophy has guided the government’s decisive campaign against Naxalism, and a similar strategy is now being applied to border security and infiltration prevention.

The Home Minister commended the BSF's role in 'Operation Sindoor', stating that the era of negotiations or agreements following terrorist attacks has ended, and the government’s stance on national security is now resolute. According to Shah, India is adopting a policy of decisive action in response to every challenge. Throughout his address, he signaled that the central government is poised to adopt a more aggressive, technology-driven strategy regarding border security, demographic balance, and internal security. He emphasized that the BSF is a key pillar of this new policy, asserting that safeguarding the nation’s borders is not just a matter of vigilance but a crucial responsibility for national security and social stability.