People living on border are national 'strategic asset', shouldn't migrate: Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday termed the people living along the China border as country's 'strategic assets' and said the border population should not migrate from their villages.

Singh who was addressing a gathering at Sainik Sammelan, directed the frontier guarding force Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to ensure that the border population did not migrate as this would put India's security at risk.

Speaking to the soldiers here, Singh asserted that, "It is important to have good relations with people living on the border. If they are not here, you will also have problems in securing the borders," said Rajnath.

Singh further inquired about the working conditions of ITBP soldiers.

"In patrolling the India-China border, one needs to require another level of genius. And I can proudly say that ITBP with their knowledge and bravery have equally utilised the two factors and have taken care of Indo-China border," Singh said at the event.

Singh while recognising the commendable work of the security forces said that the Centre is making all efforts to fulfil the demands of the security personnel.

"Whoever works above 9000 Feet, for them 'light weight clothing' is to be provided. This is done because due to heavy weight clothing, there is so much difficulty and hence the decision has been taken," said Singh.

"I recently came to know that through BSNL in Re. 1 for I minute you could have talked to your family but now you have to pay Rs. 7 for the same. I will take up this issue with the concerned Ministry first thing I go back from here," he added.