HM Amit Shah reviews security in Rajasthan, calls for '360-Degree Grid' along India-Pak border (Ld)
Bikaner, May 27
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Rajasthan's Bikaner on Tuesday to assess and strengthen security arrangements along the India-Pakistan International Border.
The meeting was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior state government officials, and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Phalodi districts.
During the meeting, Union Minister Shah emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government is committed to ensuring the highest standards of security along the international borders.
He stressed the need for enhanced coordination between central agencies and the state government to strengthen border management and maintain internal security.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the formulation of a "360-degree security grid" for every border district.
The framework aims to ensure coordinated participation of local residents, state government machinery, and all security agencies to create a more comprehensive and effective border management system.
The Union Home Minister directed strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions and instructed authorities to demolish all unauthorised structures located within a 15-km radius of the International Border.
Highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination, Union Minister Shah said that the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state government agencies must work in close coordination to curb infiltration, narcotics trafficking, encroachment, terror financing, and other cross-border crimes.
Assigning enhanced responsibilities to District Magistrates, the Home Minister directed them to ensure legal and financial compliance by banks, verify major business establishments and examine their funding sources, monitor mule accounts and shell companies, identify fraudulent Aadhaar cards, and strengthen action against smuggling networks.
He also instructed officials to effectively utilise the '1930' cybercrime helpline for prompt response to cyber-related offences and stressed the need for robust implementation of the country's three new criminal laws to strengthen law enforcement and judicial processes.
Special emphasis was also laid on the successful implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) in border regions.
The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots governance, bridge infrastructure gaps, prevent economic crimes, and ensure the holistic development of border villages.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of achieving 100 per cent saturation of all government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, some focus on cybersecurity too with the 1930 helpline. As a small business owner in Jodhpur, I've seen how fake Aadhaar cards and shell companies hurt honest people. Tightening bank compliance is overdue. 👏
All this sounds good on paper. But why is the BSF not being given more powers? They're the primary force on the border. Also, demolition of illegal structures within 15km—is the govt going to provide alternative housing? You can't just bulldoze people's homes without rehabilitation. Needs more thought.
Hard to disagree with improving border security after what happened in Pathankot and Uri. But I'm a bit skeptical about the "Vibrant Villages" scheme—how many times have we heard about development for border areas? The roads in some villages near the IB are still pathetic. 😔
As someone who lives in Sri Ganganagar district, I can tell you that local coordination is key. The BSF does a good job, but smugglers use local networks. Involving us villagers in reporting suspicious activity—like the "village defence committees"—could make a big difference. Hope this isn't just a photo-op meeting.
Honestly, the focus on narco-terrorism is welcome. Pakistan's ISI has been using drug money to fund terror for years. But why is there no mention of drone threats? We've seen drones dropping weapons in Punjab. Need anti-drone systems in Rajasthan too. The 360-degree grid should include that.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.