Guwahati: Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi delivered a keynote address at a seminar in Guwahati, drawing attention to Assam’s remarkable economic resurgence and the imperative of a revamped national security framework, simultaneously intertwining the historical bonds of Assam and Tamil Nadu.
He spoke on March 16th, at the Assam Royal Global University, at a seminar regarding national security and border management.
Ravi underscored the dramatic shift in Assam’s landscape, noting its transition from a region marred by insurgency to a pivotal player in India’s Act East policy. He credited the state’s rapid development and burgeoning economic strength, indicating that Assam is no longer held back by older troubles.
Governor Ravi further emphasized the historical and cultural links between Assam and Tamil Nadu, citing Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva’s pilgrimage to Rameshwaram and Kanchipuram as a testament to the nation’s enduring unity. He pushed for modern governance structures to reflect and reinforce this historic cohesion, pushing against fragmentations within current systems.
A significant portion of his speech was devoted to advocating for a radical overhaul of India’s border management strategies. Ravi argued that the current reliance on outdated colonial-era policies leaves the nation vulnerable and insisted upon a sovereign and unified approach to securing India’s vast borders.
Ravi, addressing a gathering of security experts, policymakers, and legal professionals, articulated the pressing need to address the fragmented governance of India’s expansive land and sea borders. He lamented the absence of a codified border policy despite 75 years of independence, noting the prevalence of disparate security agencies operating without adequate coordination.
He asserted that India’s borders, extending over thousands of kilometers, represent more than mere geographical lines, they represent the national sovereignties protection. He urged for a “Bharatiya approach” to national security, dismissing the inadequacy of legacy systems in addressing contemporary threats.
A cornerstone of Ravi’s proposal was the establishment of a National Border Management Authority, designed to foster seamless coordination among key security agencies, including the Indian Army, BSF, Assam Rifles, ITBP, and state governments. He pointed to the multitude of security challenges, from illegal migration and smuggling to drug trafficking and insurgency, necessitating a unified defense strategy.
He finished his points by including how vital border communities are to national security. Stressing that the communities are not just military zones, but homes and economic centers. This is where he added that Effective border security requires protecting, and empowering those communities. The seminar, convened by Seemanta Chetana Manch, Purvottar and Adhivakta Parishad, Assam Prant, served as a platform for experts to discuss essential aspects of border codification, inter-agency cooperation, and legislative reforms, all in the interest of a stronger, more resilient national security framework.
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