Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government will not allow demographic changes in the country through illegal border crossings. During his visit to the Lankamura Border Security Force (BSF) outpost along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, Shah stressed the importance of strengthening border security and tackling cross-border challenges.

Addressing BSF personnel, Shah said, “...be it in Tripura, or West Bengal, or Bihar...we shall not allow demographic change through the gaps in the country’s borders. This is our firm belief and resolve.” He said the government remains committed to securing the country’s borders and preventing illegal infiltration.

The Home Minister also announced that a pilot “smart border” project will be launched at seven to eight locations across the country. The project aims to improve border surveillance and strengthen security through the use of advanced technology.

Speaking about the challenges faced by security forces, Shah said, “There are separate challenges at separate borders. In some cases, it is the drugs, in others, it is human trafficking, weapon, and fake currency smuggling. The BSF should do its best to tackle these challenges. The concept of smart border is in the finalisation stage.”

Shah arrived in Tripura on Thursday to review security arrangements and border management along the India-Bangladesh border. His visit comes amid the Centre’s efforts to modernise border infrastructure and improve monitoring systems.

In May, Shah had announced the rollout of a technology-driven “smart border” project for India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The initiative will use drones, radars, smart cameras and other advanced surveillance systems. The government aims to make the nearly 6,000-kilometre-long borders with the two neighbouring countries “impenetrable”.

Apart from reviewing border security, Shah also attended an event in Agartala where he laid the foundation stone for the Pushpavant Palace Hotel project. The development is expected to boost tourism in Tripura and highlight the state's royal heritage.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha described the project as an important step in the state’s tourism development. He said it marks a significant milestone in Tripura’s journey towards becoming a leading heritage tourism destination.

Sharing details of the project on X, Saha wrote, “The iconic Pushpabanta Palace, a symbol of Tripura’s rich royal legacy, is set to be transformed into a world-class heritage hospitality destination by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Tata Group’s flagship hospitality company.”

The Chief Minister added that the upcoming hotel will help showcase Tripura’s culture, history and natural beauty to visitors from across the country and abroad. The project is expected to strengthen the state's tourism sector while preserving an important part of its historical heritage.