Amit Shah praises SSB's role in securing borders, combating Naxalism on 61st foundation day in Siliguri

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the 61st foundation day of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal, where he highlighted the force’s critical role in ensuring national security. Shah underscored the SSB's primary responsibility for securing India’s borders with neighboring countries, particularly Nepal and Bhutan. The force’s deployment in the sensitive Siliguri Corridor, a key geographical region linking India with the northeastern states and Bangladesh, has been instrumental in maintaining border security and preventing illegal cross-border activities. The SSB’s operations in this region have significantly contributed to national security by safeguarding areas prone to smuggling, infiltration, and other security threats.

In his address, Shah also emphasized the SSB's contributions in tackling Naxalism, particularly in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. The force has been actively engaged in anti-Naxal operations in coordination with the local police and other security agencies. The SSB’s strategic deployments have been crucial in dismantling Naxalite infrastructure, reducing the group’s operational capacity, and providing security in areas heavily impacted by left-wing extremism. Through constant monitoring and quick response mechanisms, the force has helped restore law and order in several Naxal-affected areas, providing a safe environment for development initiatives.

Furthermore, Shah commended the SSB’s efforts in curbing the activities of anti-national elements along the borders. He highlighted the force’s role in preventing the infiltration of militants and other hostile elements by securing border areas, especially during cross-border movements. The SSB’s operations include intelligence gathering, surveillance, and conducting coordinated patrols to detect and prevent any illegal activities that may compromise the country’s security. Their continued vigilance ensures that national borders remain free from any form of subversive activities.

Shah also acknowledged the SSB’s cultural integration initiatives, particularly its work in connecting border villages with the mainstream cultural, linguistic, and developmental frameworks of India. The SSB has worked to preserve and promote the heritage, traditions, and languages of border communities while simultaneously ensuring that these areas remain aligned with national policies and growth agendas. The force’s engagement with local populations has helped foster a sense of unity and identity, strengthening ties between border regions and the rest of India. This initiative has also contributed to improving the living conditions and overall development of these communities.