The Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura has intensified its efforts to curb trans-border crime and illegal infiltration following a significant spike in cross-border smuggling and the illicit movement of Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals.
Addressing the issue on Thursday, IG BSF Tripura Frontier Patel Piyush Purushottam Das emphasised the adoption of a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the crisis.
Recent records reveal the arrest of 163 migrants in the past month alone, including 126 Bangladeshis, 29 Rohingya, and six Indian touts who facilitated illegal entry into India.
These migrants, claiming to be job seekers, were apprehended at various locations such as railway stations and airports.
Despite the presence of wire fencing along 95% of the Indo-Bangladesh border and continuous surveillance by BSF, the large number of illegal crossings has raised concerns about the effectiveness of India’s border management and the integrity of border guards.
The recent surge has prompted critical reviews from various quarters, including the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, during a review meeting last month, expressed his concern over the border security situation and called for stringent actions to address the lapses.
In a subsequent coordination meeting earlier this week, officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the state government critically discussed the border management issues.
In response to the escalating situation, the BSF has bolstered its presence along vulnerable stretches of the border. IG Das confirmed the augmentation of troops and the enhancement of surveillance with the induction of advanced hand-held thermal imagers and drones.
These measures aim to strengthen the monitoring and prevention of illegal activities along the border.
On Thursday, IG Das met with the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Tripura to discuss illegal migration, trans-border smuggling, and development work along the border.
The meeting underscored the necessity of cooperation between the two nations to effectively manage and secure the border regions.
In a related incident, BSF forces in Samba, Jammu, shot dead a suspected Pakistani terrorist attempting to cross the international border.
This follows a series of recent terrorist attacks that have claimed the lives of 20 individuals, including soldiers and civilians. During a manhunt linked to these killings, security forces discovered a hideout in Rajouri stocked with arms and ammunition.
The increased vigilance and strategic measures implemented by the BSF in Tripura reflect a robust approach to addressing the complexities of border security.
The collaborative efforts between Indian and Bangladeshi officials signify a committed endeavor to curtail illegal activities and ensure the safety and integrity of the border.
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