Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (June 5, 2026) visited the Lankamura border on the outskirts of Agartala to interact with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. This was the site where BSF Assistant Commandant Jeevan Kumar Sinha was killed in April 2005, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire between the BSF and the BDR (now BGB — Border Guard Bangladesh).
During his interaction with officers and jawans of the 42nd battalion, Mr. Shah focused on the impact of climate change and the importance of planting trees in the light of World Environment Day. He also announced plans for a ‘Smart Border’ along the borders manned by the BSF and the SSB, which were currently being finalised.
The Home Minister underlined the need to prevent human trafficking, cross-border smuggling of illegal arms, fake currency and narcotics. He also cautioned against infiltration and demographic changes in West Bengal, Tripura and Bihar.
Four-layer security
Mr. Shah stated that the proposed smart border, which would utilise technology, would have a four-layer security mechanism to effectively manage the border. He advised officials from the Home Ministry and the BSF to conduct inspections at border locations and consult with local civil and police officials as well as the general public to gather suggestions for useful border management.
Before addressing the personnel, Mr. Shah planted a tree sapling at the Lankamura BoP. He also mentioned that BSF units had planted 6.4 crore tree saplings in the country since 2024 and would continue to do so in the future. The Home Minister assured BSF ranks that the government was committed to enhancing facilities and welfare measures for them.
He also expressed the nation’s high regard and respect for the BSF personnel, who tirelessly serve the country.
After the interaction, the Home Minister joined the BSF personnel for high tea and snacks. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, the BSF DG, senior Home Ministry officials and BSF Tripura Frontier officers were present at the event.
The Home Minister arrived in Agartala on Thursday (June 4, 2026) after chairing the plenary session of the Northeastern Council (NEC) in Shillong.
Published - June 05, 2026 04:38 pm IST
