The influx of Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh has emerged as a significant security concern for India, according to a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Joint Secretary Ankan Banerjee, during a media briefing, highlighted the gravity of the situation.
Since Saturday only, authorities in Tripura have apprehended 35 individuals who entered India through the Bangladesh border without valid travel documents.
Banerjee stated, “Rohingya infiltration is a very serious issue. We have detected the presence of Rohingya in Hyderabad, Haryana, and Kashmir, posing a significant threat to our national security.”
In a recent incident, four Bangladeshi women were arrested at the Agartala railway station for allegedly crossing the Indo-Bangla international border illegally.
The Government Railway Police (GRP) also arrested an Indian tout, Mohammed Kashem Miah, who was aiding the accused.
The women were identified as Meem Sultana (23), Rubaiya Sultana alias Asha (20), Ritu Begam (28), and Jyoti Khatun (20), all residents of Bangladesh.
Addressing the ongoing efforts to tackle the issue, Banerjee emphasized the government's goal to repatriate the illegal immigrants. However, he noted that the MEA cannot authorise their return until the host country confirms their nationality.
“Our goal is to repatriate the illegal immigrants, but the MEA cannot authorise their return until the host country confirms their nationality,” Banerjee stressed.
He also addressed concerns regarding juvenile infiltrators detained in centers or jails due to the lack of MEA clearance. Banerjee explained that these individuals often provide false information, making it difficult for the host country to accept them back.
“The MEA serves as an intermediary and cannot issue clearance without confirmation of nationality from the concerned country,” he said.
Banerjee further discussed initiatives to enhance connectivity between northeastern India and Kolkata through Bangladesh.
“Progress is being made… However, we cannot compel any nation. Since 2009, we have had a supportive government in Dhaka. This connectivity issue is politically sensitive. Recently, there were significant protests in Bangladesh. We trust that the highest leadership of both nations will address all pending issues amicably,” he remarked.
Tripura, sharing an 856 km border with Bangladesh, is particularly vulnerable to such infiltrations.
Banerjee was in Agartala to participate in the ‘Videsh Sampark Programme’, an event organised by the MEA to foster cooperation between the Centre and the states for mutual benefit. The program also saw the participation of Tripura Home Secretary PK Chakravarty and DGP (Intelligence) Anrag Dhankar.
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