Agartala/New Delhi, June 7: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting in Salbagan, Tripura, to assess issues related to the state’s border areas and strengthen security mechanisms along the international frontier.
The meeting was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), senior government officials, District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all eight border districts of the state.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the discussions focused on enhancing comprehensive border management through closer coordination between Central and State agencies. Shah stressed that border security should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of security forces but as a collective territorial responsibility involving the entire administrative machinery.
Emphasising the need for a foolproof security framework, the Home Minister called for the creation of an integrated border security grid comprising District Magistrates, Superintendents of Police, Patwaris, Sarpanches, the Border Security Force (BSF), and modern surveillance technologies.
Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, strengthening border regions remains a top priority for the Government of India. He noted that effective border protection requires not only fencing but also robust territorial defence supported by local administration, smart technology and security agencies.
The Home Minister directed authorities to organise awareness and training camps for residents living in border areas to help them tackle threats related to narcotics smuggling and illegal arms trafficking. He instructed that officials from the revenue department, local police and BSF actively participate in these programmes.
Shah also directed the implementation of the MHA’s CCTV surveillance model in Tripura on a pilot basis and ordered the upgradation of BSF camera systems, ensuring their integration with district administration networks for real-time monitoring.
Calling for intensified action against drug and arms trafficking, Shah instructed authorities to conduct frequent operations and adopt a stringent approach against all individuals and networks involved in the illegal trade.
Highlighting the importance of financial vigilance in border districts, he directed that district collectors and GST officials receive specialised training. He also asked the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to undertake a survey concerning counterfeit currency activities.
The Home Minister further called for strict monitoring of financial transactions, construction activities, and property dealings in border regions. He instructed officials to examine land records from the past five years to identify any suspicious transactions.
The meeting reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of security along India’s international borders while promoting coordinated efforts between Central and State agencies for the holistic development and safety of border communities.