The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, directed all the relevant authorities to demolish any illegal construction that falls within 15km of the international borders of India. He made this directive at the high-level security meeting on border issues that was conducted in Bikaner, Rajasthan. During the meeting, Amit Shah also evaluated the various security arrangements that are presently in place along the India-Pakistan border and is sending out a clear message that the Indian Government intends to stop all forms of illegal border crossings, exchange of contraband and other types of illegal activities that are conducted across the border.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for Illegal Structures
During the meeting, Amit Shah made it very clear that a zero-tolerance policy will apply to all illegal or unauthorized construction that is close to or near sensitive and classified areas of the international border. According to officials attending the meeting, all illegal construction that has been built in the past within 0-15 km of the international border will soon be torn down and that illegal construction is believed to support, contribute to or assist with infiltration networks, smuggling and other illegal activities that are done cross-border.
The Union Home Minister has directed the local government and security organisations to immediately eliminate any illegal structures that have been identified or reported and that officials are expected to work with each other closely to identify illegal structures and begin to tear them down. It is expected that this directive will also apply to other border districts of Rajasthan and could be expanded to include more border districts throughout India at a later date.
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Security Review Meeting in Bikaner
A comprehensive security review headed by Amit Shah took place in Bikaner, strategically located near the India-Pakistan border as well as its relationship to the state’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma; government department’s senior officials; District Magistrates; and Superintendent of Police (SP) of all major bordering districts.
The group discussed different types of challenges faced in bordering areas such as: infiltration (illegal); drug trafficking, financing of terrorists; taking over land; and illegal trade.
Mr. Shah stated that because the security of our National borders affects everything about our country, coordination of efforts will be needed between the Border Security Force (BSF), local administration, intelligence organization, and State Government in order to protect it.
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District Magnaistrates Have New Mandates for Additional Duties
In addition to ordering a demolition of illegal buildings, the Ministry of Home Affairs has increased the mandates for district magistrates working in border areas. The officials stated that District Administrations will now review payments to banks and monitor business transactions and large businesses; and determine if there are any questionable sources of funds.
The Authorities will also review the verification of Aadhaar cards; identify mule accounts; determine if there are any shell (fake) companies; and increase methods to surveil items being smuggled into this country from across our borders by individuals illegally crossing the border. The Government believes that, in the bordering areas of this country, there are financial irregularities caused primarily from organized crime and illegal infiltration networks.
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360-Degree Security Framework Planned
According to Shah, a “360-degree security framework” for all border districts should be formed. The framework would allow for citizen involvement with local administrations, police, intelligence agencies and border forces to create a cohesive effort to ensure safety. The framework hopes to enhance informational exchanges while improving monitoring in sensitive areas.
The Home Minister emphasised the importance of increased cooperative efforts among the Border Security Force (BSF), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and financial intelligence units, among others, to combat illegal immigration, narcotics trafficking and terrorist activity.
Part of Larger Border Security Push
The latest order from the Centre is part of a continued focus on improved border management. In the last few weeks, Shah has spoken repeatedly about the need to develop “smart borders” along the border with Pakistan and Bangladesh to stem the tide of illegal migrants and their impact on the changing demographic makeup of both countries.
Expect political reactions from opposition parties who have been critical of the government’s approach to border security. However, as the government has continued to stress, there must be a zero tolerance policy regarding border security, to protect our national security and to eliminate the opportunity for illegal activity on our borders.
