India steps up to secure borders with Pakistan, China and Bangladesh

The Union government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen security on borders with Pakistan, China and Bangladesh, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday.

The strategy includes area domination, round the clock surveillance and patrolling on the borders, establishment of border out-posts (BoPs), construction of border roads, upgradation of intelligence set-up and close interaction with local populace, according to a Home Ministry statement.

"Along the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pakistan borders, fence and floodlight works have been undertaken to strengthen the security," Rijiju informed in a reply to a question by the House member, KCP Bhattacharya in the Rajya Sabha.

He also said that force multipliers and high-tech surveillance equipment to enhance the surveillance of border have also been introduced. And, deployment of technological solutions on pilot project has been approved, according to a Home Ministry statement.

Continued cross-border terrorism against India emanating from territory under Pakistan’s control remains a core concern for the country. Hence, India has repeatedly called upon Pakistan to abide by its commitment made and repeated on several occasions at the highest level for not allowing territory under its control for aiding and abetting in any manner terrorism directed against India, Rijiju said.

It has also been stressed that Pakistan should take determined action to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on the territory under its control, the minister said.

India and Bangladesh have various institutional mechanism in the area of security cooperation. There is also regular interaction between Border Guarding Forces of the two countries.

"The cross border issues have been taken up at various bilateral levels. The Government of Bangladesh has assured that no anti-India activities would be allowed in its soil and has followed a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and extremism," Rijiju said.

As far as China is concerned, India and China have, on several occasions, reiterated their resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forum and manifestations, the minister added.

India-China cooperation in counter terrorism includes exchange of views and information on terrorism affecting the two countries.