India to secure borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh in two years: Amit Shah

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared the commitment to fortify India's extensive borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh within the next two years, emphasising the ongoing efforts to address gaps along these frontiers.

Speaking during the Border Security Force's (BSF) 59th Raising Day celebrations in New Delhi, Shah highlighted the substantial progress made in securing approximately 560 km of the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders over the past nine years under the leadership of the Modi government.

Stating that gaps along the western and eastern flanks amounting to roughly 60 km were being actively addressed, Shah asserted that all remaining vulnerabilities in these border areas would be addressed within the next two years. Acknowledging the challenging terrain marked by rivers, mountains, and marshlands that complicate border fortification, he underscored the use of technological aids alongside physical barriers to curb infiltration along these boundaries.

Highlighting the indispensable role of border security in a nation's development, Shah praised the BSF's pivotal role in safeguarding India's borders, linking it to the country's achievements in various spheres, such as space exploration, economic growth, and global prominence.

Emphasising that border fencing alone does not ensure security, Shah credited the bravery and dedication of BSF personnel for their pivotal role in securing the nation. He highlighted the government's comprehensive approach to border security, encompassing infrastructure development, welfare initiatives for the local population residing along the border, and integrated security strategies.

Detailing the comprehensive measures undertaken to fortify the borders, Shah highlighted the establishment of new border posts and observation towers, enhancing basic amenities like electricity and piped water supply to several border posts. Additionally, he lauded the decline in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) incidents over the past decade, expressing confidence in the impending defeat of this armed movement.

Shah praised the successful containment of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, LWE hotspots, and the northeast region over the last decade, attributing this achievement to the dominance established by security forces in these regions. He reiterated the government's unwavering resolve to eliminate Naxalism from the country and expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges with strategic and determined efforts.