Bhuj: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting in Bhuj to review security issues in Gujarat’s border and coastal districts along the India-Pakistan border.
Shah said enhanced border fencing, maritime security measures and the state government’s efforts have significantly improved the security situation, claiming that infiltration and cross-border smuggling in Gujarat have been effectively curbed.
He directed district administrations to closely monitor demographic changes in border areas and submit regular reports. Stressing a zero-tolerance policy, Shah called for the removal of all illegal encroachments within a 15-km radius of the international border and urged authorities to keep a close watch on radicalisation activities.
The Home Minister also asked local administrations to frame district-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to tackle challenges such as illegal infiltration, drone threats and narcotics trafficking.
Shah directed officials to strengthen surveillance on hawala transactions, shell companies, mule accounts and suspicious financial activities. He proposed the formation of district-level Security Coordination Groups comprising representatives from the BSF, Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and banking sector.
He also stressed the need for stronger coastal security and effective implementation of Central and state welfare schemes in border villages under the Vibrant Villages initiative.
