Pursuing multi-pronged strategy to curb cross-border infiltration: MHA

Jammu Tawi, Aug 4: The Union Government on Tuesday said it has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to curb cross-border infiltration along the country’s international borders, including deployment of advanced surveillance technology, strengthening border infrastructure, enhanced patrolling and closer coordination among security agencies.

In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the government, through its border guarding forces (BGFs), has undertaken several measures to prevent illegal cross-border movement and improve border management.

The reply came in response to a question by Lok Sabha member Anil Yeshwant Desai, who sought to know whether it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that no person crossed the country’s borders without proper authorisation, the role of paramilitary forces in the task, whether the presence of a large number of illegal people in the country reflected negligence in border management, and the action taken by the government.

Rai said the government has enhanced border surveillance by deploying advanced equipment such as CCTV cameras, drones and automatic number plate recognition systems to monitor border areas more effectively.

“The government has also strengthened border infrastructure by developing fencing, border outposts, roads and helipads to improve vigilance and mobility of security forces,” he said, adding that regular patrolling has been intensified through area domination exercises, naka points and mobile teams to monitor illegal activities along the borders.

The minister said that intelligence agencies and other organisations are working in close coordination through established platforms to facilitate real-time information sharing.

The government has also focused on regulating cross-border movement by identifying and managing designated entry and exit points to ensure controlled movement of people and goods, Rai said.

He further said community engagement and awareness programmes are being conducted to educate border residents and discourage them from aiding illegal activities.

The minister said India is also coordinating with neighbouring countries through meetings and joint initiatives to strengthen enforcement measures and improve border security.