Rajnath Singh sends out strong message against illegal migration after meeting on border security in Kolkata

Kolkata, December 7: Rajnath Singh, the Home Minister of India held a meeting with Chief Ministers of the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB) States, in Kolkata. Important issues like illegal migration, smuggling of cattle, fake Indian currency notes and drugs were discussed during the long two hours meeting. As per local media reports, Home Minister sent out strong message against illegal migration.

He stressed on the need to prevent entry, at International borders, of illegal migrants some of whom have links with extremist groups for furthering anti-national activities with ulterior motives and posing threat to internal security. In this context, he also he emphasized the need to fast-track border infrastructure development and to strengthen border security.

Out of 4096 km long Indo-Bangladesh border, in 3006 km border security infrastructure of fence, roads, floodlights, and border outposts (BOPs) are in place. For remaining 1090 km, the work will start soon. 84 km will be secured with a fence and the related infrastructure, and the balance 406 km with the non-physical barriers. Due to rivers or nullahs in some areas, physical barrier is not possible.

He highlighted the concept of Border Protection Grid (BPG) for a multi-pronged and foolproof mechanism to secure our border. The grid will comprise of various elements namely physical barriers, non-physical barriers, surveillance system, Intelligence agencies, State Police, BSF and other State and Central agencies. BPG will be supervised by a State level Standing Committee under the Chairmanship of respective Chief Secretaries. BPG will ensure greater help for the States in the overall border security. For putting in place the BPG, he sought active participation of all stakeholders including State Governments.

He expressed satisfaction over the active participation and assurance of all cooperation given by the states. Other than three Chief Ministers, Union Home Secretary, Secretary (Border Management), MHA, DG BSF, Chief Secretary Meghalaya, Home SecretaryTripura also attended the meeting.