Kolkata: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday had visited North Bengal’s Siliguri to attend Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Frontier Headquarters’ Raising Day celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Shah lauded SSB for securing country’s border with Nepal and Bhutan.
“As a Home Minister I don’t have to worry about borders of friendly countries like Nepal and Bhutan. SSB is successfully guarding 2,450 km of open borders. In 2024, SSB had caught 16,000 kg of narcotics and 4000 smugglers and traffickers. SSB have also seized 208 modern weapons and rescued 301 persons out of which mostly were children,” said Shah.
The Union Home Minister also lauded the role of SSB in combating Naxalism from Bihar and Jharkhand.
“Siliguri corridor plays a major important role as it connects us with the north-east and SSB enables smooth transportation. SSB had done a fantastic job in combating the menace of Naxalism in Bihar and Jharkhand. SSB had also weakened Naxalism activities in Chhattisgarh with the help of local police and other investigating agencies. The SSB officials had had prioritized national interest and have curbed illegal activities,” further added Shah.
Shah also praised SSB officials for connecting the communities residing in the bordering areas with those who are in the mainstream of the country.
Notably, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also met and welcomed Shah at Siliguri.
