Amit Shah Reviews Border Security in Tripura, Calls for Integrated Surveillance and Strong Action Against Drug Trafficking
New Delhi/Agartala, June 6: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in Salbagan, Tripura, to review issues related to the state’s border areas and discuss measures for strengthening border management through greater coordination between Central and State agencies.
The meeting was attended by Tripura Chief Minister, the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), senior officials, and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all eight border districts.
During the review, the Home Minister emphasized that border security should be treated as a territorial responsibility rather than the sole responsibility of security forces. He called for the development of a comprehensive and foolproof security grid involving the Border Security Force (BSF), district administration, local police, Patwaris, village representatives, and modern surveillance technologies.
According to the Home Minister, physical fencing alone is not sufficient to secure international borders. He stressed the need for an integrated system combining local administration, smart technology, and security agencies to create a stronger border management framework.
To address challenges posed by narcotics and illegal arms trafficking, Shri Shah directed that awareness and training camps be organized for residents living in border villages. He instructed that Patwaris, local police personnel, and BSF officials should participate in these programmes to strengthen community involvement in border security.
The Home Minister also announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs’ CCTV surveillance model will be implemented in Tripura as a pilot initiative. Under this plan, BSF surveillance cameras are proposed to be upgraded and linked with the district administration to improve monitoring and information sharing.
Highlighting concerns over cross-border crime, Shri Shah called for regular operations against drug and arms smuggling networks and stressed that action should target the entire chain of individuals involved in illegal trafficking.
On the financial front, he underlined the importance of maintaining discipline in border districts and directed that Collectors and GST officials receive specialised training. He also stated that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) should undertake a survey concerning fake currency.
Additionally, the Home Minister instructed authorities to maintain strict vigilance over financial transactions in border regions, including large-scale construction activities and the sale and purchase of properties. He also called for an examination of land records covering the past five years to identify any irregularities.
The meeting reaffirmed the Government of India’s focus on enhancing border security through coordinated efforts between Central and State agencies while strengthening surveillance, combating cross-border crime, and improving governance in border areas.
