Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah undertook a review of the security of Siliguri corridor, which was attended by senior officials of central and state Ministries, including MHA, MoRTH, Army, BSF, SSB and RPF, apart from Chief Secretary and DGP West Bengal. During the meeting, which was also attended by CM, West Bengal, the Multi Agency Centre’s (MAC)Standing Focus Group on Siliguri Corridor (SFG-SC) made presentation about progress made so far and its recommendations towards further strengthening the security of the Siliguri corridor.

During the meeting, Union Home Minister further reviewed the status of all infrastructural projects being undertaken in Siliguri Corridor that are critical to its security. He also discussed issues related to PIO activities, demographic changes, illegal immigration and the border affairs. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed to making the security of the Siliguri Corridor impregnable.

In the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah stressed upon the concept of quadrangular approach to border security and directed all agencies to implement it in full spirit. Emphasising the criticality of infrastructural projects in the corridor, Shri Shah directed all agencies present to complete all pending works in time bound manner.

Union Home Minister directed all agencies present to increase their footprints in the corridor by establishing more of their institutions. He also reviewed security of all Vital Installations on the corridor and directed that all necessary steps be taken to secure them. He further directed to keep Siliguri Corridor free of encroachments. He underscored the need to take all steps to stop illegal immigration in the Siliguri Corridor.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah suggested to Chief Minister, West Bengal to explore possibilities of opening more Sainik schools in North Bengal. He further asked the Chief Minister to work towards increasing the number of senior NCC cadets in North Bengal. He also urged State Government to strengthen the institution of Civil Defense and Home Guards in Siliguri Corridor.

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RK / RR / PR / PS