Union Home Minister Amit Shah: India's Borders with Nepal and Bhutan Secured by SSB

Kolkata, Dec 20 (NationPress) India’s international borders with Nepal and Bhutan have never posed a concern for the Indian government due to the presence of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“With fencing along international borders, the challenges faced by border guard agencies are minimized. However, in the case of open borders, the responsibilities of border guard agencies increase significantly. India’s extensive 2,450 kilometers of open international borders with Nepal and Bhutan have always been viewed positively by the Union Home Minister, all thanks to the dedicated personnel of the SSB stationed there. The way SSB is managing cross-border crimes such as narcotics, arms trafficking, wildlife smuggling, human trafficking, and other anti-national activities is highly commendable,” Shah remarked during an event at SSB’s frontier headquarters in Siliguri, located in Darjeeling district of West Bengal, on the occasion of the 61st Raising Day of the force.

He further praised the SSB’s efforts in addressing the issue of Left-wing extremism (LWE) across various eastern Indian states. “SSB personnel have been instrumental in combating and reducing the Maoist threat in states like Bihar and Jharkhand. Their contributions in tackling LWE even in Chhattisgarh are also noteworthy,” the Home Minister emphasized.

Shah pointed out how SSB successfully thwarted attempts at illegal infiltration and encroachment on government land while maintaining peaceful relations with Nepal. “SSB has managed to remove 1,100 illegal encroachments in ‘no man’s land’ with a policy of zero tolerance, all without disrupting international peace relations,” he added.

He also acknowledged the efforts of SSB personnel in various social welfare initiatives, including de-addiction programs aimed at youth.

During the event, the Union Home Minister highlighted the initiatives implemented by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government for the welfare of personnel in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) stationed in remote areas of the country.