New Delhi: Keeping the promises for defence forces at the top of their manifesto, the BJP has made it clear that they will have a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and a slew of measures to modernise the armed forces if they are elected to power again.

Taking forward their stand on national security BJP in its manifesto said, “we will firmly continue our policy of ‘Zero Tolerance’ against terrorism and extremism and will continue to follow our policy of giving a free hand to our security forces in combating terrorism.”

BJP also stressed upon speeding up defence procurement which is long pending. During the last five years the Modi government has signed several defence deals and a speedy delivery was asked for. “We will speed up the purchases of outstanding defence-related equipment and weapons. To equip the Armed Forces with modern equipment, we will continue to take focused steps to strengthen the strike capability of the Armed Forces,” the manifesto reads.

The BJP focusses not only on the armed forces but also on modernizing the Central Armed Police Forces to increase their capacity. “We will assist the states in upgrading their police forces through the ‘Scheme for Modernization of Police Forces’. We will encourage expedited police reforms in the states to enable the state police forces to deal with new types of crimes like cybercrime and help them to be more sensitive to the citizens,” reads the manifesto.

The Modi government recently inaugurated an AK-203 automatic assault rifle manufacturing plant at Amethi under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The 2019 manifesto also promises to focus on ‘Make in India’ in the Defence sector to enable indigenous production of defence equipment. This, they claim, will also generate employment and encourage investment in the defence sector.

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In a move that could cheer security personnel, BJP now promises to create a more effective framework for the resettlement of veterans of the Armed Forces. Under this effort, the Armed Forces will start planning for the resettlement of soldiers three years before their retirement and in accordance with their preferences. This will include provision for soft skills training and financial support for higher education. It will also include a provision for housing and for starting an enterprise. Modi government has already implemented the long pending demand of OROP.

To deal with the increasing adverse impact on locals due to illegal immigrants, BJP will expeditiously complete the National Register of Citizens process in these areas on priority. In the future, they will implement the NRC in a phased manner in other parts of the country as well.

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BJP plans to implement smart fencing (technology to strengthen border areas) on all the bordering regions which were used as a pilot project in Dhubri in Assam. The move will help in keeping a check on illegal immigration in the Northeastern states.

BJP claims that it has completed building six integrated check-posts with another under construction to facilitate easier trade and travel from the neighbouring countries. In the new manifesto, they have announced construction of 14 more integrated check-posts to facilitate easier trade and travel from neighbouring countries by 2024. After completion of all the proposed integrated check-posts all trade movement with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan will be conducted through the integrated check-posts.