In response to the Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha’s concerns about potential infiltrators from Bangladesh attempting to enter the state through unfenced border areas, the Border Security Force (BSF) has taken proactive measures to strengthen security along the India-Bangladesh frontier. As part of these efforts, Additional Director General Sonali Mishra, a senior IPS officer, embarked on a three-day visit to Tripura to conduct an in-depth review of the current security scenario.
During her visit, ADG Mishra engaged in crucial discussions with M.P. Gupta, the Inspector General of BSF’s Tripura frontier. Gupta provided comprehensive briefings on the area of responsibility assigned to the frontier and the operational preparedness of the security forces stationed there. The ADG’s visit held significant importance as it sought to evaluate the existing security measures and identify potential areas for improvement along the international border between India and Bangladesh.
Venturing further into her inspection, ADG Mishra visited the various Border Outposts situated along the India-Bangladesh border. The purpose of these visits was twofold: first, to assess the prevailing security situation in the region, and second, to review the level of border domination and operational preparedness of the BSF forces stationed at these strategic points.
Chief Minister Manik Saha had previously raised concerns about the challenges in securing the entire 856 km-long India-Bangladesh border that runs adjacent to Tripura. Approximately 50 km of this border area remains unfenced, owing to various factors, including objections from the Border Guards Bangladesh. This unfenced stretch has become a point of worry, as it could potentially facilitate the illegal activities of infiltrators, smugglers, and drug peddlers who take advantage of trans-border movement through these vulnerable areas.
To counter these security threats effectively, the Tripura government has joined forces with the BSF to deploy a total of 18 battalions along the India-Bangladesh border in the state. In addition to the active role played by the BSF, the state police also contribute significantly to maintaining a strict vigilance in the border villages. This coordinated effort aims to thwart any attempts at infiltration, smuggling, cross-border crimes, and other illegal activities.
Since the beginning of 2021, the collaborative efforts of the BSF and other security forces have resulted in the detention of 235 Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas who were attempting illegal entry into India through Tripura. Subsequently, 35 cases have been registered in connection with these detentions. These apprehensions underscore the urgency of ensuring robust border security and countering illegal movements effectively.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to securing the border against any form of illegal activities, with a specific emphasis on infiltration from Bangladesh and drug peddling. Protecting the integrity of the nation’s borders is of paramount importance, and every effort is being made to fortify security measures.
With the visit of BSF’s Additional Director General, the security agencies have taken a proactive stance to strengthen border control and enhance preparedness to address potential threats to national security. The India-Bangladesh border remains a critical area of focus for the authorities, and collaborative efforts between different agencies are crucial to ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s borders. The meticulous reviews conducted by the ADG serve as a testament to the dedication of the security forces in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation.
