Amit Shah : All Gaps along Pakistan, Bangladesh Border to be Plugged over Next 2 Years

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that India critical borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh will be fully secured within the next two years. Speaking during the Border Security Force (BSF) 59th Raising Day celebrations, Shah acknowledged the ongoing efforts to address gaps in approximately 60 km of the border stretch along these two fronts.

Highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi government, Shah stated that, over the past nine years, approximately 560 km of the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders have been fenced and gaps have been sealed. The remaining work on about 60 km is underway, and Shah affirmed the commitment to completely secure both borders in the coming two years.

The challenging terrains of these borders, spanning 2,290 km with Pakistan and 4,096 km with Bangladesh, include long riverine, mountainous, and marshy areas, making the erection of fences difficult. To address this, the BSF and other agencies employ technical gadgets for infiltration checks.

Shah emphasized the importance of border security for a country development and prosperity. He credited the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for achievements such as the Chandrayaan mission, G20 Summit participation, and elevating the economy from the 11th to the fifth spot, attributing these successes to the dedication of forces like the BSF.

Addressing BSF personnel at the "Meru" training camp, Shah praised their role as the essential pillar in the country journey. He underscored the role of BSF jawans, stating that the border fence, while crucial, is complemented by the bravery and dedication of the personnel.

The BSF, established on December 1, 1965, with a strength of about 2.65 lakh personnel, guards the over 6,386 km-long Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Shah reiterated the BJP government consistent prioritization of border security, spanning from the tenure of former PM A B Vajpayee to the present Modi government. He highlighted the integrated approach adopted by Vajpayee government and the Modi government emphasis on security, development, democratic processes, infrastructure, and welfare measures for the local population on the border.

In the context of Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Shah conveyed optimism about nearing the elimination of the armed and violent movement led by Maoist cadres. Over the last decade, incidents of Naxal violence decreased by 52%, deaths in these incidents by 70%, and affected police stations from 495 to 176.

Shah emphasized the ongoing efforts against LWE, with forces like the BSF, CRPF, and ITBP actively engaged. He expressed determination to end Naxalism in the country and highlighted the establishment of 199 new security forces camps in LWE-affected areas over the last decade.

In conclusion, Shah commended the accomplishments of the Modi government in addressing hotspots such as Jammu and Kashmir, LWE, and insurgency in the northeast. He asserted that security forces have successfully established their dominance in Jammu and Kashmir over the past ten years.