Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang extended a heartfelt welcome to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and his wife, Sonal Shah, during their early morning arrival in Siliguri. The meeting, held in the predawn hours, was described by CM Tamang as “warm and memorable.” “It was an honor to welcome Shri Amit Shah Ji, the Hon’ble Home Minister of India, and Madam Sonal Shah Ji during their visit to Siliguri early this morning,” the Chief Minister remarked. He also inquired about their health and well-being, underscoring the cordiality and respect that marked the interaction. The visit holds significant strategic and ceremonial value, as Amit Shah is in Siliguri to attend the 61st Raising Day celebrations of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at its Ranidanga headquarters. The SSB, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is tasked with securing India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
The Ranidanga headquarters oversees a 315-kilometer stretch along the India-Nepal border and 215 kilometers along the India-Bhutan border, highlighting its importance in national security. During his stay, Shah is also expected to review the situation along the India-Bangladesh border, located just 10 kilometers away at Fulbari. Reports suggest he will receive a detailed briefing from Border Security Force (BSF) officials managing the 936-kilometer border in North Bengal. The visit comes amidst political unrest in Bangladesh, adding to the region’s strategic relevance.
In addition to attending the SSB’s personnel parade, Shah will virtually inaugurate new accommodation facilities for BSF personnel at the Petrapole Integrated Check Post in North 24-Parganas. Petrapole, a critical trade hub for India and Bangladesh, has recently gained attention due to attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Home Affairs has intensified its focus on the area to address these issues.
