Katigorah, Assam: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday officially launched the second phase of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP-II) from Nathanpur village in Cachar district. While the event focused on border development, Shah delivered a scathing political message, identifying illegal infiltration as the single largest threat to Assam’s security and prosperity.
“Congress Kept Borders Open for Infiltration”
Addressing a massive public gathering, Amit Shah launched a direct attack on the Congress party’s legacy. He alleged that during their tenure, the India-Bangladesh border was intentionally left porous to facilitate infiltration for political gains.
“The biggest problem for Assam is illegal infiltration. In the past, Congress kept the borders open to allow this influx,” Shah stated. He further emphasized that these infiltrators have not only altered the state’s demography but have also “snatched the livelihoods and resources” of the indigenous people of Assam.
A Decade of Transformation under BJP
The Home Minister contrasted the previous governance with the last 10 years of the BJP-led government. He credited the “double-engine” government for successfully curbing the influx and restoring law and order.
- Land Reclamation: Shah lauded the Himanta Biswa Sarma administration for its aggressive stance against illegal occupation. He noted that over the last few years, the Assam government has successfully reclaimed thousands of acres of land previously occupied by illegal settlers.
- The 5-Year Pledge: Looking ahead, Shah issued a bold declaration: “In the next five years, every single illegal Bangladeshi who entered during the Congress regime will be identified and deported one by one.”
Vibrant Village Programme Phase II: A Strategic Shield
The launch of VVP-II at the India-Bangladesh border is strategically significant. With a financial outlay of ₹6,839 crore, the programme aims to transform 1,954 border villages across 15 states and 2 UTs into hubs of development.
Key Strategic Goals of VVP-II:
- Stopping Migration: By providing 4G connectivity, all-weather roads, and healthcare, the government aims to prevent the desertion of border villages.
- National Security: Empowering border residents to act as the “eyes and ears” of the nation to assist Border Guarding Forces in preventing trans-border crimes.
- Saturation of Schemes: Ensuring 100% implementation of central welfare schemes in remote clusters like Nathanpur.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s visit to the Barak Valley marks a decisive shift in the VVP’s narrative—moving from mountain-border development to a comprehensive anti-infiltration and security-first approach along the riverine and plain borders of the East.
