Border devpt key to tackling migration: Shah

Guwahati: Union home minister Amit Shah who visited an Indo-Bangladesh border outpost at Mankachar in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district on Monday said the Centre is making efforts to ensure development of border areas to tackle migration.
Shah started the first day of his two-day visit to the state with a trip to the international border where he reviewed the situation along the Mankachar sector, and discussed operational strategies with senior BSF officials at a closed-door meeting here.
On Tuesday, Shah will present the President’s Colours to Assam Police and address a public rally here to mark the completion of the first year of the BJP-led government’s second term in the state on Tuesday.
After the meeting, Shah tweeted, “Modi government is providing modern technology to our security forces to secure the borders of the country. The biggest problem of the border areas was the lack of development which led to migration there. Modi government is providing continuous development there, due to which migration has reduced a lot.”
A BSF spokesman said the home minister was briefed at the observation post along Indo-Bangladesh Border regarding present security scenario, emerging challenges and the strategy to deal with it.
“He also observed simultaneous coordinated patrolling carried out jointly by BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) on the international border. He also reviewed the security scenario on the Indo-BD International Border and issued necessary guidelines,” the spokesperson added.
Shah also interacted with BSF troops and praised them wholeheartedly for protecting the motherland on the borders with full dedication and devotion. Later in a tweet, he said, “BSF has always made the nation proud with its valour and bravery. Your loyalty and dedication for the security of the country even in difficult circumstances is an unbroken source of inspiration for the entire country.”
Shah was accompanied by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and both leaders were overwhelmed by the chants of “Jai Shree Ram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” in the remote border area. There were a few villagers who had gathered at the venue but their chants were powerful. The district has 95% Muslim population, majority of them being of Bangladesh origin.
Shah in his tweet said, “Today, the mind was very happy to see the enthusiasm and faith of the people living in the border area of Mankachar BOP (Assam).”
Sarma also tweeted saying, “An incredible sight as people at an Indo-Bangladesh Border Outpost in Mankachar burst into joy with chants of Bharat Mata ki Jai while welcoming Hon’ble Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji.”