In a recent address to the nation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a significant announcement, assuring the public that India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh would be fully secured within the next two years. This assurance came during the 59th Raising Day celebrations of the Border Security Force (BSF), where Shah shed light on the ongoing initiatives to bolster security along the approximately 60 km vulnerable stretch of these borders.

Over the past nine years, the Narendra Modi government has shown commendable commitment to enhancing border security. Notably, they have successfully fortified approximately 560 km of the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh borders. Shah emphasized that the remaining 60 km would be addressed in the coming two years, ensuring a comprehensive safeguarding of these crucial frontiers.

The India-Pakistan International Border, sprawling across 2,290 km, and the India-Bangladesh border, extending over 4,096 km, pose unique challenges due to diverse terrains, including long riverine, mountainous, and marshy areas. Erecting traditional fences in these regions is a complex task, prompting the BSF and other agencies to leverage advanced technological solutions to monitor and prevent infiltration.

Shah underscored the pivotal role of border security in a nation’s development and prosperity. He drew parallels between the success of the Chandrayaan mission and India’s economic rise, attributing these achievements to the robust efforts of the deployed forces, particularly the BSF. Expressing confidence, he stated that securing the borders is indispensable for national progress.

Addressing the BSF personnel at the ‘Meru’ training camp, Shah lauded their dedication, emphasizing that the border fence alone does not protect the country. Instead, it is the valorous BSF jawans who execute this crucial task. Established on December 1, 1965, the BSF, with a strength of around 2.65 lakh personnel, is entrusted with safeguarding the extensive Indian fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Shah highlighted the consistent prioritization of border security by BJP governments throughout history, from the tenure of former PM A. B. Vajpayee to the current Modi government. He outlined an integrated approach introduced by Vajpayee’s government and the Modi government’s comprehensive strategy. This strategy combines security, development, democratic processes, and infrastructure enhancement, along with welfare measures for the local population residing on the front lines.

Revealing government achievements, Shah disclosed that the last nine years witnessed the creation of 452 new border posts, 510 observation towers, electrification of 637 border posts, and the provision of piped water to 500 facilities across various fronts. The focus extended beyond security measures, encompassing improved connectivity through rail, road, waterways, and telephone communication.

Shifting focus to Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Shah expressed optimism about the country’s progress in curbing this armed and violent movement orchestrated by Maoist cadres. He cited a remarkable reduction in Naxal violence incidents by 52%, a 70% decline in related casualties, and a decrease in the number of affected police stations from 495 to 176 over the past decade.

Highlighting ongoing efforts against LWE, Shah disclosed that forces, including the BSF, CRPF, and ITBP, are actively engaged in the final strike against this insurgency. With the establishment of 199 new security forces camps in LWE-affected areas, the Home Minister conveyed confidence in achieving victory in this battle.

In conclusion, Shah celebrated victories in the ‘hotspots’ of Jammu and Kashmir, LWE, and insurgency in the northeast over the past ten years. He affirmed that security forces have successfully established dominance in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards peace and security. As India continues to fortify its borders, these strategic efforts promise a safer and more prosperous future for the nation.