Amit Shah Reviews Gujarat’s Law and Order, Calls for Stronger Border Security and Action Against Drug Networks.
Union Home Minister directs enhanced surveillance along 2,340-km coastline, stronger cybercrime prevention and coordinated action against illegal migration; appreciates Gujarat’s implementation of new criminal laws.
Ahmedabad:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday reviewed the law and order and internal security situation in Gujarat during a high-level meeting in Ahmedabad. He directed central and state agencies to strengthen border and coastal security, intensify action against drug trafficking networks and improve measures to tackle cybercrime and other emerging security threats.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the Union Home Secretary, senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs and its subordinate offices, and representatives of the State Home Department and other concerned departments attended the meeting.
Several important issues, including border and coastal security, implementation of new criminal laws, drug trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, illegal migration and disaster management, were discussed.
Focus on Border and Coastal Security
Considering Gujarat’s nearly 2,340-kilometre-long coastline and its international border with Pakistan, Amit Shah emphasised the need to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements along the coastal and border areas.
He stressed better coordination among the Border Security Force (BSF), Gujarat Police, Coast Guard and central security agencies to ensure effective monitoring and prevent potential security threats.
Gujarat’s Performance Under New Criminal Laws Appreciated
The Union Home Minister appreciated Gujarat’s performance in implementing the new criminal laws. He noted that 92 per cent of chargesheets in the state were filed within 60 days, while 86 per cent were submitted within 90 days.
However, he directed the state government to launch a special campaign to clear more than 25,000 pending forensic cases and expedite the investigation and prosecution process.
Target Entire Drug Networks, Not Just Small Peddlers
Amit Shah stressed that action against drug trafficking should not remain limited to small-time drug peddlers. Instead, enforcement agencies must target entire drug networks, including their principal operators and kingpins.
He emphasised prioritising financial investigations to identify and seize illegally acquired assets and dismantle the economic foundations of drug trafficking networks.
The Home Minister reiterated the importance of coordinated enforcement efforts to make Gujarat drug-free.
Stronger Cybercrime Prevention and Counter-Terrorism Measures
Reviewing the cybercrime situation, Shah directed officials to enhance the capacity of the State Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (S4C) and the 1930 cybercrime helpline to ensure a more effective response to cyber-related offences.
He also called for strengthening counter-terrorism agencies and improving coordination among security and intelligence organisations.
On the issue of illegal migration, he directed officials to expedite the identification and deportation of illegal foreign nationals in accordance with the law. He appreciated the deportation of 2,412 illegal foreign nationals through special drives undertaken by the state.
Disaster Management and Other Key Issues Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed disaster management preparedness, fire safety measures, the Ahmedabad Urban Flood Management Project and initiatives concerning the survey and disposal of enemy properties.
The Union Home Minister emphasised the need to accelerate ongoing projects and ensure timely implementation of measures aimed at strengthening public safety and emergency response systems.
Central and State Agencies Asked to Work in Coordination
Concluding the meeting, Amit Shah directed all Central and State agencies to work in close coordination and regularly review progress against prescribed targets.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a secure India through a safe, developed and drug-free Gujarat, emphasising that effective law enforcement, strong security arrangements and coordinated action were essential for maintaining internal security.
