‘Tech barriers’ to seal Bangladesh border by 2017

Just days after coming to power in Assam, the Centre has initiated a major plan to fulfil one of its key electoral promises during the Assembly elections — of sealing the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Centre has prepared a detailed blueprint for this where manual barriers and check points will be set up at 100 locations while at 22 other locations, which primarily cover the riverine areas, 22 technological barriers will be installed by June, 2017, virtually sealing the entire border.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting chaired by home minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday to review border management and security. Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju and senior officials from the home ministry and other security agencies were also present during the meeting.

“This is a big development. It demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to protect the indigenous people of the Northeast. We are also increasing the border area fund for Northeast from 30 per cent to 45 per cent,” Mr Rijiju said.

Reacting to the announcement, Sarba-nanda Sonowal, newly-appointed Assam CM, told this newspaper: “I am very thankful for the good news. This is to meet our commitment made during the elections. It shows the sincerity and seriousness of the government towards the overall growth and ensuring the security and identity of the people of Assam.” The move is expected to curb illegal influx from Bangladesh, rein in cattle smuggling, combat the proliferation of deadly weapons, drugs and counterfeit currency and the movement of insurgents. Sources said deployment of BSF will also be increased substantially along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam. While fencing along the border has been completed in 223.7 km area, an additional 60.7 km is planned to be completed by June next year.

Home minister Rajnath Singh asked the officials to substantially increase the use of technological solutions to secure sensitive areas. This will involve networking of equipment like high resolution cameras and radars.