Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, May 30

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a security review meeting in Gujarat’s Bhuj to assess challenges in border and coastal districts along the India-Pakistan border, with discussions focusing on border management, coastal security, illegal infiltration and financial crime.

The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Kanubhai Desai, the chief secretary, director general of police, senior state officials, and district magistrates and superintendents of police from Kutch, Vav-Tharad and Patan.

According to an official statement, the review centred on emerging security concerns in border areas and measures to strengthen border management through closer coordination between the state government, district administrations and police.

Shah said improved border fencing, maritime security and coordinated efforts by the Gujarat government had significantly transformed the security situation in the state.

 “This has resulted in the complete cessation of infiltration into the state and smuggling on the border,” he said.

The home minister called for a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised encroachments within the 0-15 km belt along the international border and directed authorities to ensure their removal.

He also asked officials to maintain strict surveillance over centres of radicalisation in border areas and instructed district magistrates to closely monitor demographic changes and submit regular reports.

Shah said reverse migration in border districts driven by industrial development was a positive trend.

He directed officials at every level — from police stations to revenue administration — to work in coordination to identify and deport illegal infiltrators who have already settled in border regions.

The home minister also asked local administrations to prepare district-specific standard operating procedures to tackle threats related to infiltration, drones and narcotics.

He directed the formation of Security Coordination Groups in every border district, comprising the Border Security Force, Indian Coast Guard, Income Tax Department, Enforcement Directorate and Lead Bank Manager.

Shah said district administrations should also intensify monitoring of hawala transactions, suspicious financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, vehicle movement and GST collections in border districts.

He instructed agencies dealing with financial crimes to remain fully updated on developments in border regions and said the Income Tax Department should undertake awareness and survey campaigns in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India.

Highlighting Gujarat’s proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line, Shah said coastal security must remain a top priority and called for stronger coordination with the Indian Coast Guard.

He also directed officials to ensure full saturation of central and state welfare schemes in border villages alongside implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme.