Infiltration – Amit Shah Reviews Border Security in Seemanchal
Infiltration – Union Home Minister Amit Shah has turned his attention to the issue of cross-border infiltration following the Centre’s push against Left-wing extremism under the Naxal Mukt Bharat initiative. On Wednesday, he began a three-day tour of Bihar’s Seemanchal region, an area that borders Nepal and lies close to poll-bound West Bengal. The visit is focused on reviewing security arrangements and tightening vigilance in districts considered sensitive due to their proximity to international borders.
High-Level Security Review in Kishanganj
Shah’s first engagement was a detailed review meeting in Kishanganj district with senior officers from key border-guarding forces, including the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Border Security Force. Both agencies are responsible for monitoring India’s open border with Nepal and the fenced frontier with Bangladesh.
Officials present at the meeting discussed steps to prevent unauthorised cross-border movement across seven districts of Bihar that share international boundaries. According to sources, the Home Minister directed authorities to identify individuals residing without valid documentation and initiate action in accordance with the law. He emphasised closer coordination between district administrations and central security forces to ensure timely response and intelligence sharing.
Focus on Administrative Coordination
Before heading to Kishanganj, Shah chaired a session with representatives of the Land Ports Authority of India, which oversees the development and management of border infrastructure. The discussion centred on improving facilities at land ports and strengthening surveillance systems to support security personnel deployed in the region.
After arriving at Purnea airport, Shah travelled directly to Kishanganj, where he was received by several senior BJP leaders. Among those present were Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.
During his visit, Shah is expected to conduct review meetings with district magistrates, superintendents of police, and other senior officials from the seven border districts. He will also hold discussions with Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Vijay Kumar to assess preparedness and identify gaps in enforcement.
Outreach to Border Villages
On the second day of the tour, the Home Minister is scheduled to interact with residents of villages located along the international border. These interactions are aimed at understanding the challenges faced by local communities, particularly those linked to security and migration.
He is also set to examine the implementation of the Vibrant Villages programme, a central government initiative designed to improve infrastructure and economic opportunities in remote border areas. The programme seeks to reduce outward migration and enhance the presence of local populations in strategically important regions.
Political Reactions and Demographic Context
The visit has taken place against a backdrop of concerns raised in political circles over demographic changes and alleged infiltration in Seemanchal. According to data from the 2011 Census, Muslims constitute 16.87 percent of Bihar’s total population. In Kishanganj district, however, the figure stands at 68 percent.
Leader of the Opposition in Bihar, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, described the Home Minister’s tour as politically motivated. He linked the timing of the visit to the upcoming Assembly elections in neighbouring West Bengal. The ruling party has not officially responded to the allegation but maintains that the visit is part of routine security oversight in border states.
Broader Security Strategy
Shah’s tour signals a shift in emphasis from internal insurgency to border management following the reported gains in the campaign against Naxal activities. With Bihar sharing long and in some stretches porous boundaries, the Centre appears keen to reinforce surveillance and administrative vigilance.
Officials say the meetings in Seemanchal are intended to streamline coordination among central forces, state police, and civil authorities. The outcome of these discussions is expected to shape future measures aimed at maintaining border security and ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain alert to cross-border challenges.