The Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened its vigilance along the Indo-Bangladesh border as it identifies districts most vulnerable to potential infiltration attempts amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh.
The border, which stretches over 4,096.9 km and traverses five Indian states—West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura—presents a complex landscape, featuring dense forests, hills, rivers, and populous towns.
The situation has become particularly critical, with intelligence reports indicating that large groups of Hindus have been moving toward the border in anticipation of potential violence in Bangladesh.
In a notable incident, around 500 individuals attempted to cross into India via Jalpaiguri district, marking the first infiltration effort since political upheaval led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as prime minister. Fortunately, BSF personnel successfully thwarted this attempt.
According to BSF sources, the infiltration effort unfolded in three phases near the Jhaportolla border outpost in South Berubari Gram Panchayat.
Those attempting to enter India reportedly originated from villages in Panchagarh district, an area that has experienced violence following the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh.
In response to the situation, senior BSF officials have been instructed to establish communication with locals residing in adjacent border areas.
Troops have been advised to engage with village leaders, fostering a cooperative approach to border security.
“Our officials are being dispatched to several villages near the border to monitor the situation closely. We have instructed local leaders to alert us about any illegal crossings,” a senior BSF official stated.
To strengthen community ties and enhance security awareness, the BSF South Bengal organised village coordination meetings at the Border Outpost Icchamati and Gede.
These gatherings aimed to inform residents about the current situation in Bangladesh and discuss border issues. Prominent locals, including Sarpanch and Pradhan, were in attendance, helping to create a sense of security among the community.
Ichamati River, a trans-boundary river that flows through both India and Bangladesh, also forms part of the boundary in West Bengal's Nadia district. This geographical feature adds a layer of complexity to border security efforts.
Intelligence inputs indicate that the period around August 15, coinciding with a significant Hindu festival, could be critical, raising concerns about increased attempts at illegal crossings.
There are also warnings that cattle smuggling might rise as miscreants may try to exploit the situation, assuming that BSF personnel will be preoccupied with other security challenges.
The BSF has been proactive in foiling smuggling attempts in recent days.
On Wednesday, personnel in Malda district successfully intercepted smugglers trying to transport buffaloes. In a notable encounter, a female BSF staff member fired at the smugglers, preventing the animals from being taken across the border.
Additionally, on the same day, BSF Tripura, in collaboration with local police, apprehended 11 Bangladeshi nationals—including a woman—in West Tripura, seizing goods valued at ₹72 lakh.
On Thursday, the BSF successfully stopped a group of approximately 120-140 Bangladeshi nationals attempting to cross the border in West Bengal.
Officials report that the BSF has been maintaining a high state of alert along the border, particularly after the recent political developments in Bangladesh.
In the northeastern region, the districts of Karimganj, Cachar, Dubri, and South Salmara-Mankachar in Assam share a 267.5 km international border with Bangladesh.
The Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Sutarkandi in Karimganj plays a crucial role in managing cross-border activities.
In total, the Northeast has three ICPs, with the other two located at Dawki in Meghalaya and Akhaura in Tripura.
With the festive season approaching, the stakes are higher than ever, and the focus on border security will be crucial in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the government has established a committee to monitor the current situation along the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB).
The committee will comprise the following members:
(a) ADG, BS, Eastern Command - Chairman
(b) IG, BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal - Member 1
(c) IG, BSF Frontier HQ Tripura - Member 2
(d) Member (Planning and Development), LPAI - Member 3
(e) Secretary, LPAI - Member 4
This committee will facilitate communication with counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities residing in Bangladesh.
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