India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh to be sealed: Rajnath Singh

Gwalior, March 25 (IANS) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the country's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh will be sealed to stop infiltration of terrorists and refugees.

Speaking at the passing out parade of the Border Security Force (BSF) at Tekanpur in Gwalior district, Rajnath Singh said that the responsibility of barring refugees has been given to the Border Management Division.

"The 3,323-km long border with Pakistan will be made impenetrable. A 6.9-km long laser wall has been constructed in Kashmir and in 45 places in Punjab. A concrete wall will also be constructed in many places in Punjab and Kashmir and a laser wall will be made in Gujarat," he added.

"The BSF is discharging its responsibilities in protecting the nation's borders properly. That's why, the trust and belief of the people towards BSF has increased," the Home Minister told reporters.

Responding to a question, Rajnath said: "The borders would be sealed. Fencing would be done wherever it's possible and in case it's not, technology would be brought into application."

Speaking on the increasing Maoist incidents, he said: "These incidents have decreased 50-55 per cent in the last 2-3 years. Previously, 135 districts were Maoist infested, which has come down to 35 now."

"The state governments are tackling the situation (Maoist incidents) and the central government is providing complete assistance. 100 battalions of paramilitary forces have been stationed in such areas."

Talking about the BJP youths arrested for allegedly establishing parallel telephone exchange lines between India and Pakistan for the exchange strategically important information, Singh said that the NIA is investigating the charges.