Rajnath for protection grid on eastern frontier

Must be prepared for any eventuality, he says

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised on putting in place a “border protection grid” (BPG) for a “multi-pronged and foolproof mechanism” to safeguard the 4,096-km border with Bangladesh.

At a press conference at the State Secretariat after a meeting with the Chief Ministers of three States sharing border with Bangladesh, Mr. Singh said the BPG would comprise physical and non-physical barriers, surveillance system, intelligence agencies, the State police and the Border Security Force.

The Home Minister said the grid would be supervised by a State-level Standing Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretaries of the respective States. “The BPG will ensure greater help for the States in the overall border security,” Mr. Singh said, seeking active participation of all stakeholders including the State governments.

Rohingya infiltration

The Home Minister said he appealed to the States to remain vigilant on the influx of the Rohingya. “There is a need to remain vigilant on border. We have to remain cautious that any kind of illegal infiltration is not allowed,” he said.

The Home Minister said so far fencing had been completed along 3,006 km and work in the remaining 1,090 km was yet to be started. “Of this , 684 km will be secured with fence and the related infrastructure , and the balance 406 km with the non-physical barriers.” He said the non-physical barriers include technological solutions like sensors, daylight cameras and radars.

“Though our relations with Bangladesh remain peaceful and good but security environment is very dynamic and because of fencing not being complete we have to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said. Smuggling of fake Indian currency notes (FICN) and cattle and insurgency in the northeastern States were also discussed.

“As far as insurgency is concerned, we have been able to contain the problem to a large extent. But some insurgent groups have taken shelter in the bordering areas of Bangladesh. With the help of Bangladesh, we are keeping an eye on the activities of these groups,” Mr. Singh added. Chief Ministers of West Bengal, Assam and Mizoram Mamata Banerjee, Sarbananda Sonowal and Lalthanhawla were present along with Union Minister for State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijju.