Amit Shah Directs Demolition of Illegal Border Structures in Rajasthan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during a high-level security review meeting in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on May 27, 2026, issued a significant directive for the demolition of all unauthorized structures located within a 15-kilometer radius of the international border with Pakistan. This stern measure is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering national security, combating infiltration, curbing narcotics smuggling, preventing terror financing, and tackling various other cross-border criminal activities. The Home Minister's visit to Rajasthan, which commenced on May 26, 2026, included an inspection of the Sanchu Post along the India-Pakistan international border and interactions with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The security review meeting in Bikaner was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, senior state government officials, and District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from five border districts: Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Sri Ganganagar, and Phalodi. During the meeting, Shah emphasized a 'zero-tolerance policy' against illegal constructions and instructed officials to ensure their demolition. He stressed the necessity of a coordinated and integrated approach to border management, involving the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and state government agencies. This multi-agency collaboration is crucial for effectively addressing issues like encroachment, terror financing, and the proliferation of fake Aadhaar cards and 'mule accounts' used for illicit financial transactions. A key element of the enhanced security framework discussed was the establishment of a 'quadrangular security grid.' This innovative model calls for the active involvement and coordinated efforts of four critical stakeholders: the BSF, the Indian Army, border residents, and the local administration (including district collectors and police). Shah underscored that border security is not solely the responsibility of security forces but a shared 'territorial responsibility' requiring collective vigilance and action. He highlighted the importance of monitoring any 'Unnatural Demographic Change' in villages within a 50-kilometer radius of the border and alerting local administration about unauthorized constructions. The Home Minister also reviewed the progress of the 'Smart Border Project,' which is designed to make India's frontiers impenetrable through the deployment of advanced technologies such as drones, radar, modern cameras, and sophisticated surveillance systems. He announced that anti-drone systems would be deployed along the border within the next six months, recognizing the rising threat posed by drone activities for smuggling narcotics and weapons. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the effective use of the national cybercrime helpline '1930' for quicker responses to cyber fraud and stressed the proper implementation of the three new criminal laws to strengthen law enforcement and judicial processes in border areas. Developmental initiatives also formed a crucial part of the discussions. Shah launched the Central government's 'Vibrant Villages Programme-2' (VVP-II) in Rajasthan. This program aims to expand basic infrastructure facilities in 184 border villages across Rajasthan's frontier districts, connecting them with amenities like roads, mobile networks, 4G connectivity, drinking water, healthcare, and educational facilities. The objective is to integrate these border villages into the national mainstream and improve the living conditions of their residents, who have historically been deprived of basic amenities. The comprehensive security review also touched upon the expansion of the BSF's operational jurisdiction from 15 kilometers to 50 kilometers from the border, a decision taken by the Government of India a few years prior to enhance their capabilities in detecting and counteracting cross-border threats, including illegal constructions and demographic changes. Subsequently, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot questioned the intent behind the reported demolitions of Muslim religious sites in Rajasthan's border areas following Shah's visit. Gehlot alleged that these demolitions appeared to be motivated by political polarization and aimed at disrupting social fabric, claiming that even historical religious sites were being targeted. He called for an immediate halt to such actions and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to clarify its position. In essence, Amit Shah's visit and directives underscore the government's renewed focus on strengthening India's border security, adopting a proactive approach against evolving threats, and integrating technology, local communities, and multiple agencies to create a robust and impenetrable border management system.

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