Since the Republic Day is not far away, the government, it seems, is not prepared to take any chance on the security front

With Pakistan, as per intelligence inputs, activating terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control, India has begun beefing up its security apparatus in border areas.

On Monday, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah conducted a high level security meeting to review prevailing threat scenarios in the country and emerging security challenges.

During the meeting, as per a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, continued threats of terrorism, global terror groups, terror financing, narco-terrorism, organized crime–terror nexus and illicit use of cyber space and movement of foreign terrorist fighters.

The Home Minister stressed on the need for better coordination and synergy among Central and State security agencies, the Ministry said.

The meeting also assumed significance as it was held days after security forces said Ludhiana court blast, which took place in December, was linked to Khalistani and narco-terror elements operating from across the border.

One person was dead and several others were injured in the blast inside Ludhiana District Court Complex on December 23.

Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab have seen large narcotic seizures in recent years, particularly of high-value drugs like heroin.

This rising narcotic trade is the latest threat in Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen over three decades of cross-border terrorism.

After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, there is now concern that there could be a surge in drug smuggling.

A report by the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction in 2018, estimated that the Taliban gained 60 per cent of its revenue.

As per the UN World Drug Report, in 2020, Afghanistan had 2.24 lakh hectares area under opium cultivation, representing over 75 per cent of illicit opium cultivation worldwide.

It is this opium that makes its way into India, via Pakistan.

It is said the meeting was a periodic review organized by the Multi Agency Centre of the Intelligence Bureau.