India's Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the demolition of buildings deemed illegal within 15km of the Pakistan border and called for stronger action against infiltration, smuggling and terror financing. The move, announced in Rajasthan, comes amid heightened India–Pakistan tensions after last year’s deadly Kashmir attack and a subsequent four-day conflict that killed more than 70 people. Officials say the measures are intended to shore up border security, though details on implementation and safeguards for affected civilians remain limited.
India Orders Demolitions Within 15km of Pakistan Border as Tensions Rise
Tension has been simmering along the India-Pakistan border since a short war broke out last year (EPA)
India's Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered the demolition of structures deemed "illegal" within 15km (nine miles) of the international border with Pakistan and instructed authorities to intensify action against a range of cross-border crimes.
The directive, announced during a visit to Rajasthan — a western state that shares a lengthy frontier with Pakistan — signals a tougher posture amid heightened bilateral tensions following last year’s deadly attack in Kashmir and a brief, four-day military confrontation.
"Amit Shah stressed the need for strict enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions, particularly within 0-15 km of the international border," the Ministry of Home Affairs said. "He directed the concerned authorities to demolish all such unauthorised constructions."
According to the ministry statement, Shah also urged officials to step up efforts "to effectively address infiltration, narcotics smuggling, encroachment, terror financing, and other trans-border crimes." New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of facilitating narcotics and weapons smuggling and of supporting proxy groups — claims Pakistan rejects.
India has reinforced patrols and invested heavily in border security in recent years. The India–Pakistan frontier, including the de facto Line of Control in disputed Kashmir, stretches roughly 3,300km (2,050 miles).
Last year’s clash followed an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 men, mostly Hindu tourists. India blamed Pakistan for supporting the assault; Islamabad denied the charge. The incident precipitated reciprocal diplomatic measures and a short but intense military confrontation that left more than 70 people dead.
Officials say the demolitions and tightened enforcement aim to reduce infiltration and interrupt smuggling routes, but the orders are likely to raise concerns among local communities and rights groups about civilian displacement and due process. Authorities have not yet published a public timeline or detailed criteria for identifying the "illegal" structures targeted under the directive.
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