Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday asserted that the state is no longer a safe zone for illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh. He said that all security agencies in the state have been on high alert since the initial directive from the central government to curb cross-border infiltration.
“After unrest began in Bangladesh and the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in August last year, we heightened surveillance along the border. Infiltrators have now realised Tripura is not a safe passage or shelter,” said Saha, who also holds the home portfolio.
The Chief Minister emphasized that strict action is being taken to prevent illegal migrants from entering the state. He said that attempts to enter Tripura using fake Aadhaar cards or identity documents are being closely monitored and swiftly acted upon.
Recently, Saha convened high-level meetings with senior officials from the Border Security Force (BSF) and other security agencies. During the discussions, he stressed the need for inter-agency coordination, especially in light of rising border tensions and geopolitical developments involving India and neighboring countries.
“If any infiltrators manage to cross the border and enter Indian territory, particularly Tripura, they will be identified and pushed back according to legal procedures,” he added.
In a parallel move, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a ruling ally led by royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, has launched a vigorous anti-infiltration campaign across the state. Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma, a senior TMP leader, affirmed that no infiltrators would be allowed to remain in Tripura.
BSF officials confirmed that vigilance along Tripura’s 856 km-long international border with Bangladesh has been significantly stepped up. The border, which wraps around the state on three sides, has been mostly fenced, barring a few vulnerable patches. BSF patrols have intensified ever since violence erupted in Bangladesh between June and July last year.
Security forces, under directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), are also focusing on detecting illegal immigrants, including Bangladeshi nationals, Rohingyas, and other foreign individuals hiding across northeastern states.
With multi-agency coordination and increased border vigilance, Tripura is making it clear that any illegal infiltration will be firmly dealt with.
