New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today inaugurated the G-7 and G-13 Border Outposts (BOPs) in Bhuj, Gujarat, and interacted with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed along the India-Pakistan border.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Secretary of Border Management, Director General of BSF and several senior officials were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah lauded BSF personnel for serving in extremely harsh climatic and geographical conditions. He said that despite facing immense challenges, BSF personnel guard the nation’s borders with dedication and determination.
Shah said that during its 60 years of service, the BSF has secured two of the country’s most challenging borders, enduring temperatures ranging from minus 45 degrees to plus 45 degrees. From the deserts of Kutch and Rajasthan to the marshlands of Sir Creek and Harami Nala, and from the icy peaks of Kashmir to the forests of the Sundarbans, Meghalaya and Assam, BSF personnel have steadfastly fulfilled their duty as the nation’s “First Line of Defence.”
Paying tribute to the force, the Home Minister said over 2,000 BSF personnel have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation, enabling the people of India to live in peace and security.
Shah said a centre has been established in Banaskantha to help the public understand the difficult duties performed by BSF personnel. He noted that more than 2.5 lakh people have visited the centre in the past month alone. Feedback collected from visitors reflected admiration for the BSF, with many expressing pride and a desire for their children to join the force. He added that the feedback system is now available online for citizens across the country.
The Home Minister said that after reviewing BSF operations upon assuming office, it was observed that the Harami Nala and Sir Creek regions required stronger security infrastructure. A comprehensive plan was subsequently launched to establish a leak-proof security grid, including construction of watchtowers, roads, drinking water facilities, medical services, accommodation and new fencing.
He said the G-7 and G-13 border outposts represent remarkable engineering achievements, with the BSF establishing robust infrastructure in rugged and inaccessible terrain. Shah expressed confidence that within the next two years, the region would be fully secured against hostile threats.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, Amit Shah said the Modi government is working round the clock to reduce hardships faced by soldiers. He added that adequate budgetary support and advanced technology have helped create a strong security network in the region, including elevated BOP structures and modern watchtowers.
Shah further said that in the BSF’s 60th year, the government has decided to transform the concept of border security by introducing a quadrangular security grid and a new approach of “territorial security.” This model, he said, would involve joint responsibility among the public, civil administration, local police, military and BSF personnel.
Under the Smart Border Security Project, he said, thousands of crores of rupees are being invested to strengthen border security through drones, radars, watchtowers and modern surveillance technology, ensuring a comprehensive and impenetrable security grid.
The Home Minister also said that the government is considering assigning additional responsibilities to the BSF. Referring to border fencing in West Bengal, he said land allocation for fencing has recently accelerated, and once completed, infiltration would be effectively curbed.
Technological fencing in forest and riverine areas is also being expedited. Concluding his address, Amit Shah said the entire nation respects and salutes the courage, dedication and sacrifice of BSF personnel, whose service ensures peace and security across the country, particularly in Gujarat’s border regions.
