Amit Shah on Friday strongly backed the Smart Border Project while addressing the BSF Investiture Ceremony. He said the initiative would help make India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh completely secure.

The Union Home Minister stressed the need to strengthen border management and prevent illegal infiltration. He also warned about the risks posed by narcotics smuggling and fake currency networks.

Shah calls for stronger border security

During his address, Shah said border security should not be viewed as an isolated responsibility. He said authorities must treat it as a matter connected to national security and territorial integrity.

“When we view border security as a matter of territorial responsibility rather than an isolated task, only then can we effectively tackle all the challenges before us,” Shah said.

He also highlighted concerns over illegal infiltration and demographic changes in border areas.

“Most importantly, we must recognise the dangers ahead. It is our responsibility to remain alert regarding illegal infiltration across our borders aimed at altering our demographic structure. We must also take concrete steps to address the impact of narcotics and fake currency on our economy,” he added.

Focus on infiltration and drone smuggling

Shah’s remarks came at a time when security agencies are dealing with increasing incidents of cross-border smuggling through drones from Pakistan.

Reports suggested that narcotics and weapons have been smuggled into border regions of Rajasthan, especially in Bikaner and Sri Ganganagar sectors. According to reports, Shah is expected to visit the border district of Bikaner on May 25 and 26.

During the visit, he is likely to inspect Border Security Force outposts and review development projects in border areas.

High-level security meeting likely

Officials are also preparing for a major security review meeting during Shah’s Rajasthan tour. The Home Minister is expected to meet Collectors and Superintendents of Police from Rajasthan’s five border districts — Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Jaisalmer, Barmer and Hanumangarh.

Senior officials from various security and intelligence agencies are also likely to attend the meeting. The discussions are expected to focus on border security, infiltration, drone activity and smuggling networks operating near the India-Pakistan border.

Shah congratulates BSF women’s Everest team

At the ceremony, Amit Shah also praised the all-women mountaineering team of the Border Security Force for successfully climbing Mount Everest. In a social media post, Shah said, “Nari Shakti proves BSF’s invincible might”.

He added that the team created a remarkable example of courage, patriotism and dedication by scaling the world’s highest peak during the BSF’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and singing “Vande Mataram” at the summit.