Demolish illegal structures near intl border: Shah

Jaipur: Union home minister Amit Shah has ordered the demolition of all unauthorised structures within 15km of the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan, directing authorities to intensify action against infiltration, narcotics smuggling, terrorist financing and other cross-border crime networks.

Chairing a high-level security review meeting in Bikaner Tuesday, Shah assessed security arrangements in Rajasthan’s five border districts — Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sriganganagar and Phalodi — in the presence of CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior state officials, district magistrates and SPs.

Shah called for strict enforcement of a “zero-tolerance policy” on illegal construction near the international border and directed officials to clear the entire 0-15km belt, officials said. Authorities said the exercise is aimed at curbing illegal activity and strengthening surveillance across sensitive border zones.

The meeting also cleared plans for a “360-degree security framework” for frontier districts, involving residents, state agencies and central forces to tighten integrated border management.

Shah ordered closer coordination among BSF, Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Board of Direct Taxes and state authorities to tackle infiltration, drug trafficking, encroachment, smuggling, fake Aadhaar cards, mule bank accounts and shell companies allegedly linked to terrorist funding and economic offences.

DMs were asked to ensure banks comply with financial regulations and verify funding sources of major business establishments operating in border areas. Officials were also directed to monitor emerging crime patterns and networks tied to narcotics and organised smuggling.

Shah stressed wider use of cybercrime helpline ‘1930’ for swift disposal of complaints and pushed for full implementation of three new criminal laws to strengthen policing and judicial processes.

The meeting also reviewed implementation of Vibrant Village Programme-II aimed at improving infrastructure, governance and welfare delivery in border villages. “Hundred per cent saturation of all govt schemes in border villages was reiterated during the meeting,” an official release said.