Amit Shah’s Statement on Border Security
Guwahati, Oct 18: On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that illegal immigration from Bangladesh into Assam has been entirely halted, contrasting this with the ongoing situation in West Bengal.
He accused the government led by Mamata Banerjee of providing a ‘red carpet welcome’ to illegal immigrants.
During a media event in Patna, Shah highlighted the differences in border management between the two states, praising the BJP-led administration in Assam for its success in controlling infiltration, while criticizing the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) in West Bengal for its alleged complicity.
Shah stated, “While infiltration has ceased in Assam, it continues in Bengal, where officials are directed to extend a ‘lal jaajim’ (red carpet) welcome to those crossing the border. This is why the issue persists there.”
When asked about the Opposition’s claims that the infiltration issue reflects negatively on the central government, which has been in power for over a decade, Shah pointed out the geographical and logistical difficulties along the eastern border of India.
“The border with Bangladesh is characterized by dense forests and large rivers that flood during the monsoon season. This makes fencing challenging, and maintaining constant surveillance is nearly impossible. Security boats often get swept away. However, if local authorities act responsibly, infiltration can be managed,” he elaborated.
In a related update, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared a post on a microblogging platform, suggesting a recent operation to push back illegal immigrants.
“As Diwali approaches, we have tidyed our house by sending back seven unwanted individuals to their origins,” Sarma mentioned, without specifying the nationality or group involved.
