Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Feb 26: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated and laid e-foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at the Border Outposts in Leti and Indarwa in Bihar’s Araria district.
Addressing SSB personnel and residents in the border region, Shah underscored the need for heightened vigilance along the India–Nepal frontier. While noting that India shares cordial ties with Nepal, he cautioned that hostile elements could attempt to exploit the open border.
He stressed that the SSB must remain alert and bolster its intelligence gathering to prevent anti-national forces from using the route to enter India. Highlighting the importance of grassroots-level inputs, the Home Minister called for closer coordination between security personnel and villagers in border areas, saying effective communication is key to receiving timely and accurate information.
Reiterating a major electoral promise, Shah announced that the Centre is preparing to launch a decisive campaign against infiltration in Bihar’s Seemanchal region. He asserted that the effort would go beyond merely removing names from voter rolls and would focus on identifying and removing infiltrators from Indian territory.
According to Shah, the upcoming drive will include demolition of illegal encroachments within a 10-kilometre radius of the international border and steps to identify and deport those found residing unlawfully. He alleged that infiltration impacts electoral outcomes, diverts welfare benefits meant for the poor, reduces job opportunities for local youth, and poses a threat to national security.
Recalling his time campaigning in Seemanchal, Shah said he had spent four days in the region and sought continued public backing to fulfil the commitments made then. He further claimed that demographic shifts linked to infiltration have significantly affected states such as West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.
Referring to the political situation in West Bengal, Shah expressed confidence that the BJP would form the government there and stated that completing border fencing and expelling infiltrators would be top priorities once that happens.
Concluding his address, the home minister said the NDA government in Bihar has received a clear mandate on issues of border security and infiltration, adding that safeguarding the frontier remains central to the government’s broader vision for the state’s development and welfare.