Border fencing strongest infiltration deterrent: Amit Shah
Shah highlights border security and the Siliguri Corridor’s strategic importance.
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has described border fencing as the 'strongest measure' to prevent cross-border infiltration and strengthen security in West Bengal and the rest of the country.
Speaking at an event in Siliguri today (21 August), Shah praised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for providing immediate and full cooperation from the state government on border security.
He said the Indian government received 1,139 acres of land for the Border Security Force (BSF) and Sashastra Seema Bal within 45 days of the formation of the new West Bengal government in June.
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According to Shah, the central government had been seeking the land since 2014, but the previous government led by Mamata Banerjee had not provided it.
He said the Narendra Modi government had fully recognised the strategic importance of the Siliguri Corridor, which connects eight Indian states and lies near the international borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
"The security of the Siliguri Corridor is directly linked to the security of the country," he said.
He added that central government agencies require 560 acres of land to strengthen security along the corridor, but the previous West Bengal government had not allocated it.
The Suvendu-led government has now given in-principle approval for the allocation of the 560 acres, the home minister said.
