Union Home Minister Amit Shah issues major directive regarding international borders

New Delhi: In a significant boost to national security, the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun strictly implementing a 'zero tolerance' policy within a 15-kilometer radius of the international borders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed officials to strictly adhere to this policy and to demolish all illegal structures constructed within 15 kilometers of any of the country's international borders.

The Central Government's primary focus is on illegal constructions that have sprung up around international borders over the past few years. India shares international borders with nine countries, comprising a land border spanning approximately 15,107 kilometers and a vast coastline extending over roughly 7,517 kilometers.

What Responsibilities Were Assigned to DMs of Border Districts?

- According to news agency PTI, officials have stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has assigned several additional responsibilities to the District Magistrates (DMs) of border areas.
- The District Magistrates have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with all legal and financial regulations regarding transactions conducted through banks located in border regions.
- They are to scrutinize large commercial establishments and investigate their sources of funding.
- They must investigate accounts used for illicit transactions (known as "mule accounts") as well as shell companies.
- Furthermore, they are tasked with identifying fraudulent Aadhaar cards and curbing cross-border smuggling activities.

Did Amit Shah Hold Security Review Meeting in Bikaner?

On Tuesday, Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a review meeting in Bikaner, Rajasthan, to address security-related issues concerning the districts situated along the India-Pakistan border.
In addition to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the meeting was attended by the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from five border districts—Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Phalodi—as well as senior officials from the state government.

What is the 360-Degree Security Cover in Border Districts?

A statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs noted that the border districts have been directed to conduct in-depth investigations into the networks, sources, and patterns of criminal activity within their respective regions.
They have also been instructed to focus specifically on the issue of narcotics and to develop long-term solutions to tackle this problem. Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the need for border districts to develop a framework providing a "360-degree security cover," in coordination with citizens, the state government machinery, and security agencies.