Silchar : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asserted that sustainable development in Assam’s Barak Valley depends on strong internal security and curbing infiltration, as he addressed an election rally in Hailakandi.

Campaigning for BJP candidate Milon Das, Shah emphasised that economic growth and welfare delivery are closely tied to a stable law-and-order environment. “Lasting development is only possible when there is peace and stability. Without security, progress cannot sustain,” he said.

Striking a balance between security and development, Shah highlighted efforts by the BJP-led governments at both the Centre and in Assam to improve law and order while accelerating infrastructure and social sector initiatives.

Outlining a roadmap for the Barak Valley region, he pointed to ongoing and proposed upgrades in road connectivity, healthcare infrastructure, and administrative decentralisation. He also referenced the planned establishment of an Assam Secretariat in Silchar, aimed at reducing dependency on Dispur for governance and improving administrative efficiency in the region.

Shah highlighted investments in healthcare, including expanded medical and cancer care facilities, as part of efforts to improve access to quality treatment.

Focusing on welfare measures, the Home Minister underscored initiatives targeting tea garden communities. Citing wage growth, he said daily wages for tea workers in Assam have increased from Rs 94 before 2014 to Rs 258 under the current government, with a target of raising it to Rs 500 per day within the next five years.

He also noted that around 3.5 lakh families across nearly 700 tea gardens have been granted land pattas, calling it a major step toward securing land rights for workers. “In the first phase itself, this process has been completed in 106 tea estates across 20 districts,” he added. Shah further outlined promises for farmers and vulnerable sections, including enhanced income support, assured procurement at minimum support price (MSP), subsidies for farm mechanisation, financial assistance for women, affordable essential commodities, and housing for economically weaker sections.

Crediting the state government for improving law and order, Shah said peace accords and initiatives to integrate youth into the mainstream have helped Assam transition from unrest toward stability and growth.

Calling for electoral support, he urged voters to back the BJP and its ally Asom Gana Parishad, stating that continuity in governance would accelerate development in Hailakandi and the wider Barak Valley.

“A stable government will ensure that security-led development continues to benefit every section of society,” he said.

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, April 7 said the government is taking steps to remove alleged “infiltrators” from electoral rolls, while accusing opposition leaders of opposing measures aimed at addressing illegal immigration.

 Addressing a public rally in Assam’s Cachar district, Shah claimed that names of “infiltrators” are being identified and struck off voter lists. He criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, alleging that their opposition to such actions is driven by political considerations.

 Shah also referred to the debate surrounding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), stating that certain opposition leaders had earlier opposed granting citizenship rights to refugee communities, particularly Bengali Hindus, while now allegedly supporting undocumented migrants for electoral gains.

 “They opposed the CAA and resisted giving rights to refugee Bengali brothers and sisters, but are now welcoming infiltrators because they are seen as a vote bank,” Shah said at the rally.

 Reiterating the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) position, the Home Minister asserted that the government would continue efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants in accordance with the law. He maintained that such actions are necessary to safeguard national security and the integrity of the electoral process.

 Opposition parties have consistently criticised the BJP’s stance, alleging that it risks targeting specific communities and raising concerns over due process.