Ministry of Home Affairs
13-October, 2016 18:11 IST
Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir calls for indigenous R&D in Border Infrastructure, Checking illicit trafficking of drugs and human trafficking
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir has laid stress on indigenous Research & Development in Border Infrastructure. Inaugurating the daylong Seminar on “Border Management and Illicit Trade” here today, Shri Ahir assured the Government will procure the most modern equipment to secure our borders. Cautioning against overdependence on imported technologies such as from Israel, the US and South Africa, Shri Ahir said our robust indigenous industry must overcome this deficit.
Shri Ahir lauded the efforts of our Prime Minister who walked an extra mile in maintaining friendly relations with our neighbouring countries. He said that Government is committed to securing the country’s borders, especially its Western borders as Pakistan is not only non-cooperative in Border Management but also creates problems. He reiterated that the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has said that the Indo-Pak Border would be completely sealed by the year 2018.
Shri Ahir laid special emphasis on checking illicit trafficking of drugs and also human trafficking across the borders. Mentioning that the border areas have generally remained backward and poverty ridden due to obvious reasons, Shri Ahir said the economic activities can be fast tracked only in a secured environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Border Security Force, Shri KK Sharma said the BSF has been deployed along Indo-Pak and Indo-Bangladesh borders, the total length of which is more than 6,500 kms, in short, a distance more than point-to-point between Delhi and London.
In his address, Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said illicit border trade is costing the Government more than Rupees One Lakh crore loss in tax revenue.
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The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Seminar on Border Management and Illicit Trade, in New Delhi on October 13, 2016.
http://zeenews.india.com/news/india...india-use-its-own-resources-ahir_1939484.html
Last Updated: Thursday, October 13, 2016 - 14:14
New Delhi:
China and
Pakistan will not let
India utilise its resources until the country takes steps to secure borders effectively, Minister of State for Home
Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said on Thursday.
"India is not getting cooperation from Pakistan in border areas. Instead, the neighbouring country is creating trouble. We have to introduce modern technologies in securing our borders which are geographically diverse in nature," he said.
"China and Pakistan will not let us claim our own properties. We could not claim our share of the waters of the Brahmaputra river as we delayed utilising it."
"Mineral reserves in border areas must be utilised which we are unable to do due to the insecure borders. If we succeed in making use of these minerals and natural resources, I do not think our country will remain poor," Ahir said at a seminar on 'Border Management and Illicit Trade' organised by FICCI.
Ladakh has huge reserves of natural resources, including minerals, as after every 10 kilometres, mountains change their colour, he said.
"India has shown its might. The World has seen what is the difference between those talking too much and those talking less on the intervening night of September 28 and 29," he told reporters when asked about his reaction to the rhetoric from Pakistan in the wake of the surgical strikes across the LoC.
India has always tried to improve its ties with neighbouring countries as some tasks cannot be carried out through arms but through dialogue. But, Pakistan has created a lot of problem by indulging in drug-trafficking, Ahir said.
"Young population living in Punjab along Pakistan border has been troubled by Pakistan. This is a persistent challenge which needs to be tackled. Our neighbouring country does not want to see our youths flourish and progress," the minister said.
China had last month blocked a tributary of the Brahmaputra river in Tibet as part of the construction of its "most expensive" hydro project which has caused concern in India as it may impact water flows into the lower riparian country.
Last year, China had operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra river, which has raised concerns in India.
Dr A Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said illicit trade and smuggling of products impact India's economy and industries as well as safety and security of consumers.
"India faces a loss of nearly Rs 40,000 crore in taxes due to the illegal trade of just seven products. The actual loss figure can be much higher. Illegal cross-border activities harm the Indian economy," Singh said.
He said these smuggled products also pose serious a threat to the health of consumers.
On the occasion, FICCI Advisor Deep Chand, BSF DG KK Sharma and Dr AP Maheshwari, Additional DG BSF were also present.
PTI
