Bihar visit: Amit Shah to review Seemanchal demographic shift, border security concerns

New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over population imbalance and security in sensitive border regions, Union home minister Amit Shah will embark on a three-day visit to Bihar from February 25, with a sharp focus on the Seemanchal region. The visit is expected to centre on alleged demographic changes, infiltration and broader internal security challenges in the state’s border districts.

Sources told ET that Shah will spend all three days on the ground in Seemanchal, conducting an extensive review of the situation in border areas. Senior officials from the home ministry are expected to accompany him.

High-level meetings will be held with district magistrates and superintendents of police across all seven districts of Seemanchal, particularly Araria, Kishanganj and Purnia.

The key agenda includes examining the causes behind demographic shifts in border areas, identifying and acting against alleged illegal infiltrators, curbing unauthorised religious constructions, including possible demolitions, and strengthening border security.

Shah is also scheduled to hold a separate review meeting with officials of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), focusing on surveillance and security mechanisms along the India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh borders.

Sources indicated that the home minister may also visit stretches of the Nepal and Bangladesh border during the tour.
Besides security reviews, Shah will assess development initiatives under the Centre’s Vibrant Village programme, aimed at strengthening infrastructure in border villages to encourage stable habitation and economic activity.Sources said Shah will arrive in Purnia on February 25 and travel to Kishanganj for an evening review meeting before staying overnight. On February 26, he will visit Araria, including the Letti border outpost, review India-Nepal border issues, and attend a Vibrant Village event before returning to Purnia for the night. A high-level review meeting is scheduled in Purnia on February 27, after which he will return to New Delhi.

During last year’s Bihar assembly elections, the BJP had flagged population imbalance and security in Seemanchal as key campaign themes, with the home minister assuring residents of firm action and enhanced protection.

Seemanchal also shares a border with West Bengal, and developments following this visit are likely to carry significance beyond Bihar, particularly in the context of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls.