Agartala: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during his recent visit to Tripura, has called for a sharper vigil on financial transactions, construction of buildings and sale and purchase of properties along the international borders, an official statement said on Saturday.
The directive came during a meeting chaired by the Union Home Minister at the BSF’s Tripura Frontier headquarters on Friday. It was regarding the border areas of the northeastern state.
“Shah called for a sharp vigil on financial transactions, construction of big buildings, and the sale and purchase of properties along the borders, and directed that an examination of land records of the last five years be conducted,” it said.
According to the PIB release, the Union home minister said frequent operations against drug and arms trafficking must be conducted, and the entire chain of contributors to drug trafficking must be dealt with a ruthless approach.
“Shah also said that ensuring financial discipline in the border districts is the responsibility of the states. He directed that collectors and GST officials be trained, and that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) conduct a survey on fake currency,” it stated.
“The Union home minister said that camps must be organised to train people living along the border to tackle the threats of narcotics and firearms and instructed that the presence of ‘patwaris’ (sentinels), local police and BSF personnel be ensured in these camps,” the statement said.
The meeting underscored that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre is firmly committed to ensuring the highest standards of security along the international borders while promoting close synergy between central and state agencies for the holistic development and safety of border areas.
The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Manik Saha, Chief Secretary J K Sinha, DGP Anurag Dhankar and other senior officers along with the district magistrates and superintendents of police of all eight border districts.
Shah was on a two-day visit to the northeastern state from Thursday to visit a border outpost and lay the foundation stone for a heritage five-star hotel.
