Shah Directs Border District Police to Track Infiltration-Linked Demographic Changes
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday directed Superintendents of Police (SPs) from 119 border districts to report any abnormal population growth in their areas, linking such changes to illegal immigration and infiltration.
Speaking at the first-ever Land Border Districts' SP Conference 2026, Shah said the government is committed to curbing what he termed 'unnatural demographic growth' caused by infiltration. He announced that a demography mission has been constituted to study the patterns of demographic shifts along the borders.
'The primary cause of demographic changes in border areas is infiltration. To make border security impenetrable, the Modi government has created a quadrangular security grid, transforming India's approach from reactive to proactive,' Shah said.
The Home Minister emphasised that the government is moving from an isolated border outpost system towards an integrated security grid. He said the conference institutionalised a comprehensive approach to border security, and in the coming days, the government will work on coastal security as well.
Shah outlined several measures taken by the government, including a 400% augmentation of border infrastructure and the implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to prevent migration, create jobs, and ensure full coverage of welfare schemes. He also mentioned the decision to fence the 1,610-km India-Myanmar border at a cost of ₹31,000 crore.
'Our objectives are to prevent proxy war, illegal infiltration, radicalisation, narcotics trafficking, smuggling, drone-related threats, cybercrime, organised crime, and demographic changes; to make border areas more livable; prevent migration from these regions; and ensure their security,' Shah said.
The conference was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Mahesh Dixit, and Directors General of Police from border states. Shah urged the SPs to ensure timely reporting of any abnormal demographic changes to enable swift action at higher levels.
