Amit Shah's Strategic Three-Day Bihar Visit to Focus on Seemanchal Security and Border Issues
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to embark on a strategically significant three-day visit to Bihar, beginning Wednesday, with a primary focus on reviewing security measures and addressing illegal infiltration from Bangladesh in the sensitive Seemanchal region. This marks the first time a Union home minister will spend three consecutive days in this border area, underscoring its importance.
Detailed Itinerary and Security Review
Shah's itinerary includes visits to key border districts: Kishanganj on February 25, Araria on February 26, and Purnia on February 27. According to Bihar Industries Minister Dilip Jaiswal, no meetings are scheduled in Patna during this visit, highlighting the concentrated focus on border areas.
The home minister will arrive in Purnia at 4 pm on Wednesday and then travel by helicopter to Kishanganj for an initial review meeting. His schedule includes a meeting with the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and other security personnel, as well as interactions with residents of border villages under the government's Vibrant Villages programme.
Key Events and Programmes
On February 26, Shah will attend the inauguration of the Leti border outpost of the SSB in Araria, followed by a review meeting with superintendents of police (SPs) and district magistrates (DMs) of border districts concerning India-Nepal issues. He will also review the Vibrant Villages programme in Araria before returning to Purnia.
At the Leti post, Shah will launch and dedicate schemes for the SSB, including a new Rs 8 crore camp building equipped with modern facilities and accommodation for approximately 250 personnel. This infrastructure upgrade aims to bolster border security efforts.
Strategic Significance and Regional Discussions
The extended stay in Seemanchal is viewed as strategically crucial due to the region's proximity to the sensitive 'Chicken Neck' corridor, a narrow strip of land connecting northeastern India to the mainland. Shah is likely to discuss demographic changes in the area with Deputy Chief Minister and State Home Minister Samrat Choudhary and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar.
On Friday, Shah will hold a meeting with officials in Purnia on India-Nepal border issues before departing for Delhi on February 27. This comprehensive review aims to address multifaceted security challenges in the border regions.
This visit underscores the government's heightened attention to border security and regional stability, with a focus on enhancing coordination between central and state agencies to combat illegal activities and promote development in vulnerable areas.
