New Delhi: National identity cards would be issued to 2.9 million people in select areas of 13 border and coastal states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region, Tapan Sikdar said on June 12.

Government's decision to issue multipurpose national identity cards in select states will help enhance national security and curb terrorists and infiltrators, Sikdar said addressing a conference 'Smart Card Tech India' organised by Exhibitions India.

"We have been facing problem of heavy infiltration in Eastern and North Eastern region, particularly Assam and West Bengal. Many of the infiltrators may be seeking only a place under the sun for livelihood but dangerous elements are hiding behind them," Sikdar said.

He said the introduction of the card system would also guard against illegal immigrants and infiltrators.

The card would combine the functions of a drivers licence, social security registration, immigration documents and other government issued identifications.

Post-December 13, 2001, the internal security of the country has become a matter of great concern for the government, he said.

PTI