Shah in Siliguri to review border security, SSB

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Siliguri, West Bengal on Friday for critical discussions on border security, awareness of the new criminal laws, and a lasting political resolution for the Gorkha community. On arrival at Bagdogra airport, Shah inaugurated infrastructure projects at the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Frontier Headquarters, held a traditional Bara Khana with SSB personnel, and interacted with the troops.

Shah will then attend an exhibition titled "Five Pillars: Transformed Justice System" at Kawakhali Ground, showcasing the new criminal laws - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. The exhibition will run until August 26 and aims to educate the public about the revamped criminal justice framework.

Further, Shah will address a public meeting in Siliguri, accompanied by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The visit carries significance due to Siliguri's strategic position near borders with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, and its crucial role in the Siliguri Corridor or 'Chicken's Neck', connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India.

During the three-day visit, Shah will hold security-related meetings and interact with public representatives from Darjeeling hills to discuss a permanent political solution to longstanding issues concerning Gorkha and other communities. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung, its general secretary Roshan Giri, and State Minister of State for Finance and Transport Anandamoy Barman are expected to attend the Saturday meeting.