New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has placed border areas on high priority and this approach has sent signals both ways– across the borders and to those living at the international borders, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said.
While delivering the keynote address on Border States and National Security, at an event organised by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), here yesterday, Dr Singh said that during the last five years, the government has taken many initiatives, such as constructing bunkers, toilets, Seema Bhawans and provision of cattle insurance, among others.
“This has been possible because of extreme sensitivity of the Government towards these people and this approach of the government has uplifted the morale of people living in bordering areas,” he added.
“We owe to pay tribute to the efforts of security forces deployed at the borders. At the same time, we need to understand the people living near the bordering areas and respect their courage, as they are the first ones to face the brunt in case of any disturbance,” the Minister said.
The Minister said that security forces are perpetually in the war mode now a days, as militancy and cross-border terrorism have become a serious challenge. Adding that the entire security dynamics have changed over the years, consequently the obligation of security forces has also changed.
Speaking about the North East region, the Minister said that NE states share a socio-cultural proximity with the bordering countries, but that does not obviate the importance of security.
“Peace and development are reciprocal in relation. If peace is not there, the development cannot happen. Similarly, if development is not there, it gives a breeding ground for unrest,” he said.
He said the North East region had undergone huge transformation during the recent years which include connectivity through rail, air and road.
On the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Dr Singh said that the Act is going to preserve India’s vast resources, both natural and human and awareness needs to be generated about this aspect.
