Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday, 30 May chaired a high-level security review meeting in Bhuj, directing authorities across Gujarat's border and coastal districts to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on unauthorised encroachments, crack down on illegal infiltration and financial crime networks, and closely monitor demographic changes — which he described as 'the most serious challenge' facing border regions.

Key Directives Issued

Shah instructed officials to clear all unauthorised encroachments within the 0–15 kilometre belt along the international border and ordered the establishment of Security Coordination Groups in every district. These groups will bring together representatives from the Border Security Force (BSF), the Indian Coast Guard, the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Lead Bank Manager.

He also called for district-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address local threats, including drone incursions and narcotics trafficking. 'Everyone, from police station to patwari, should work in unison to ensure deportation of already settled illegal infiltrators,' Shah said.

Demographic Shifts and Radicalisation Concerns

Shah singled out demographic changes in border districts as the foremost security concern, directing District Magistrates to ensure strict monitoring and regular reporting. He also instructed authorities to maintain close surveillance on centres of radicalisation operating in the border belt.

At the same time, he acknowledged the reverse migration observed in some border areas following the establishment of industrial units, describing it as 'a welcome development.'

Financial Crime and Coastal Security

On the financial crime front, Shah stressed the need for stringent monitoring of hawala transactions, mule bank accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicle movements, and GST-related activities. 'Strict vigil must be maintained in border districts for hawala transactions, financial dealings, mule accounts, shell companies, suspicious vehicles and GST collections,' he said.

He directed the Income Tax Department, in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), to conduct extensive survey campaigns. Responsibility for enforcing Income Tax, anti-money laundering, and Customs laws was assigned to the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and Inspector General of the Border Range.

Referring to Gujarat's extended coastline and proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line with Pakistan, Shah underscored that coastal security must remain a priority, calling for stronger coordination with the Indian Coast Guard.

What the Government Said on Security Progress

Shah credited border fencing, maritime security measures, and state government resolve for what he termed a 'significant transformation' in Gujarat's security landscape, asserting that these steps had led to 'the complete cessation of infiltration in the state and smuggling on the border.'

He also directed that border villages receive full coverage under both Central and state welfare programmes, including 100 per cent saturation of every scheme alongside the Vibrant Villages initiative.

Who Attended the Review

The meeting was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das, and Director General of Police K.L.N. Rao, along with senior officials and the District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of Kutch, Vav-Tharad, and Patan.

The Bhuj review is part of the Centre's broader effort to reinforce comprehensive border management along India's western frontier, with further district-level SOPs and inter-agency coordination measures expected to follow.