Amit Shah Visits J&K Borders, Reviews Security and Launches Welfare Schemes

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday visited forward areas along the international border in Kathua district, Jammu & Kashmir, as part of his two-day tour of the Union Territory. Upon arrival, he reviewed border security and assessed ground-level conditions. Shah reached Jammu on Thursday night, where he was accorded a grand welcome by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha , Chief Minister Omar Abdullah , and other senior officials.

On Friday, Shah visited the Gurnam and Bobiyan border outposts in the Hiranagar sector. He interacted directly with the deployed troops, commending their vigilance and morale. He emphasised measures to strengthen troop confidence during constant border patrols and discussed with officials the strict steps required to prevent infiltration, arms, and narcotics smuggling from the Pakistan side.

Focusing on the welfare of border security forces, Shah virtually inaugurated six new welfare schemes at an event in Bobiyan. He also laid the foundation for several development projects. Officials stated that these schemes were designed to enhance the safety of local residents and provide better facilities for troops stationed along the border.

The six welfare schemes launched at the international border in Kathua primarily focus on troop protection, infrastructure improvements, and development of border villages. Key initiatives include the distribution of advanced surveillance equipment, modernisation of border outposts, and expansion of smart fencing projects. These measures aim not only to prevent infiltration effectively but also to provide BSF personnel with better housing, solar power, and state-of-the-art communication facilities under challenging conditions.

For local communities, the Vibrant Village Programme will accelerate the provision of essential amenities, including clean drinking water. Families of personnel who lost their lives in terrorist attacks will receive government job appointments under the Karunya Niyamak Scheme , ensuring social security. Collectively, these initiatives aim to strengthen border defence while improving the living standards of residents, thereby integrating them into the broader framework of national security.

Over the past two weeks, security forces in Kathua, Udhampur, and Kishtwar districts have neutralised four Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists during operations. Against this backdrop, Shah’s visit assumed heightened significance. He is set to participate in a high-level security review at Lok Bhavan, Jammu , to guide future strategic measures.

Later today, Shah will chair a key meeting at Lok Bhavan focused on the all-around development of Jammu & Kashmir. The visit underscores the Centre’s message of balancing security and development in the region.