Managing porous border of India is huge challenge: Kiren Rijiju

MUMBAI: India could better in safeguarding its boundary to prevent recurrence of Pathankot type terror attacks and the Narendra Modi government is taking certain steps to protect assets and citizens in the country, according to Union MoS Home Kiren Rijiju.

"Managing porous border of India is a huge challenge. It is also difficult also to manage the border. We had full intelligence that Pathankot air base could be attacked, yet we could not prevent the strike," Rijiju admitted while speaking on Tuesday evening at the Gateway of India dialogue here organised by MEA and noted think tank Gateway House.

Pointing out that India's borders with most neighbours are porous and cannot be physically wired Rijiju informed that the Modi government is taking serious steps through coordination among several agencies and wings of the dispensation. He informed that technology is being used to better protect India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Besides border infrastructure including roads are being developed, the Minister noted.

Referring to question of ISIS in India, the Minister said the group could not make headway here due to family and ethical values of Indian society. "The very character of Indian society is non-violent."

Expressing similar sentiments on cross-border terror former US Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who spoke at the same session suggested that Pakistan should be internationally isolated so that it can mend its ways. He also claimed that even China is getting frustrated with Pakistan that is promoting cross-border terror.