Amit Shah in Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (August 12) laid the foundation stone for the Border Security Force (BSF) Mooring Place in Koteshwar, Gujarat. During the ceremony, he lauded the BSF's unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation's borders, praising their vigilance and efficiency in protecting both land and water territories. In his address to the audience, Shah emphasised the BSF's critical role in securing the borders shared with Pakistan and Bangladesh during the partition era.
He emphasised that the BSF is the only Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with the ability to provide security across land, water, and sky. Shah also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the BSF for its dedication and unwavering commitment to ensuring the country's internal security.
Shah stated that he can sleep peacefully at night because BSF jawans are on duty 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to secure the country's borders.
Reflecting on his interactions with BSF soldiers stationed across various borders, Shah recounted, "I have been to all borders of the country, have met various BSF soldiers, I always say, and I want to repeat it today that I being the Home Minister of India, from the point-of-view of internal security, as far as the security of the country's borders is concerned, I am able to sleep peacefully because you stand there," news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
Furthermore, Shah emphasised the comprehensive support provided to the Central Armed Police Forces, which included the distribution of over 40,00,000 PF (Provident Fund) cards through the 'AYUSHMAN CAPF' initiative. He also mentioned the connection of over 24,000 hospitals and the construction of 13,000 new CAPF homes. The Minister emphasised the importance of these measures in improving the welfare and living conditions of CAPF members.
"While you (BSF personnel) are busy protecting the country's borders, PM Modi is looking after your families," Shah is heard saying in a video posted by news agency PTI.
"Over 40,00,000 PF cards have been distributed through AYUSHMAN CAPF, and over 24,000 hospitals have been linked to it." In terms of housing, 13,000 new homes have been constructed. CAPF has resulted in over 400,000 registrations," he added further.
"Don't think the government is unaware of the difficult situation in which you work. I will certainly be informed about this again when I visit (Harami Nala) on Sunday," Shah said before heading to Harami Nala, a creek area that separates India and Pakistan in the Kutch district.
He assured the BSF jawans that "whatever budget is required to be allocated for your convenience, we will do in the coming days." This will improve their convenience as well as the region's security, he added.
Earlier in the day, Shah laid the groundwork for IFFCO, the world's largest fertiliser cooperative, to build a nano DAP (liquid) plant in Kandla, Kutch district.
According to the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, India requires a new green revolution led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show the world the path of natural farming and pave the way for farmer prosperity.
Shah stated that the plant will produce 2 lakh bottles of 500 ml liquid per day, reducing the country's reliance on imported fertilisers and saving Rs 10,000 crore in fertiliser subsidies.
Amit Shah arrived in Kutch on Friday night for a two-day visit, arriving at Bhuj airport. The Union Minister will inaugurate several new projects, reinforcing the government's commitment to infrastructure development and regional progress during this period.
Shah's visit to Kutch coincides with the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, during which the Opposition has criticised the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for alleged silence on the Manipur violence issue. In response to concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised the restoration of peace in Manipur, which has been plagued by ethnic tensions between Metieis and Kukis for more than three months.