HM Amit Shah chairs meeting on border-related issues in Bhuj, Gujarat
Bhuj (Gujrat), May 30: Union Home Minister Amit Shah while chairing a meeting on border-related issues in Bhuj, Gujarat said that border fencing, maritime security and the State Government’s firm political resolve have brought about a significant transformation in Gujarat’s security landscape.
Shah, who chaired a security review meeting at Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch district located along the India-Pakistan border on Friday, also stated that administrations of border districts should formulate SOPs to ensure identification of existing infiltrators and the tracking of threats related to drones and narcotics, said an official release.
He said that district magistrates should ensure strict monitoring and regular reporting of such developments.
At the review meeting, Shah emphasised the need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised encroachment within the 0 to 15 km belt along the international border and to maintain a close watch on centres of radicalisation in border areas.
Friday’s meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, senior officials as well as District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Kutch, Vav-Tharad and Patan districts.
Shah called reverse migration happening in border areas due to the establishment of industrial units a welcome development and said that everyone, from police stations to patwaris (village revenue officials), should work in unison to ensure deportation of the existing illegal infiltrators, stated the release.
He also called for the need to form Security Coordination Groups in every such district, comprising the BSF, Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the 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 (IG), Border Range, said the Union minister.
He also highlighted the need to maintain strict vigil over hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles and GST collections in border districts.
Agencies dealing with financial crimes must be kept apprised regarding border areas, and the Income Tax Department, in collaboration with the RBI, should conduct extensive survey campaigns, Shah said.
He also called for the need to prioritise coastal security and ensure effective coordination with the Indian Coast Guard, given Kutch’s proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Alongside the ‘Vibrant Villages’ initiative, 100 percent saturation of every scheme, both of the Central and State government, must be ensured in border villages, Shah said.
Shah said that reverse migration happening in border areas due to the establishment of industrial units is a welcome development.
Shah said that strict vigil must be maintained in border districts for Hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles, and GST collections; IT Department, with RBI, should launch a comprehensive survey drive
Responsibility for effective enforcement of laws pertaining to Income Tax, Money Laundering and Customs shall rest with the DM, SP and the IG (Border Range), the meeting was informed.
