Northeast Desk, 1st August: In a concerted effort to combat illegal infiltration and trans-border crime, the Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura has intensified its security measures along the 856 km international border with Bangladesh. The initiative includes the augmentation of troops and the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies.
Patel Piyush Purushottam Das, IG BSF Tripura, has directed field commanders to enhance coordination with multiple agencies, including Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles, Government Railway Police, Railway Protection Force, Customs, RI, Forest Department, and other sister agencies. This collaborative approach aims to facilitate intelligence sharing and joint operations against illegal infiltrators and smugglers both at the border and within the hinterland.
“Troops on the border have been augmented, particularly in areas prone to smuggling and infiltration,” stated a BSF press release. “Surveillance has been intensified with the induction of state-of-the-art handheld thermal imagers and drones. Joint operations with sister agencies are being carried out, and mobile checkpoints are established at transit points such as railway stations, bus stands, and interstate check posts.”
Given the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the BSF is maintaining close coordination with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) at various levels. In July 2024 alone, the BSF conducted four Commandant-level flag meetings and 150 Company Commander/BOP-level meetings with the BGB. Special coordinated patrols have been carried out in vulnerable areas, reinforcing mutual trust and enhancing synergy between the two border guarding forces. This cooperation was crucial in the recent safe return of over 900 students from Bangladesh through the Tripura border.
Despite adhering to a non-lethal strategy, the BSF has thwarted multiple smuggling and infiltration attempts. In July 2024, 56 incidents of firing from non-lethal weapons were recorded, with over 70 rounds fired to deter trans-border criminals. Six trans-border criminals were reportedly injured as a result.
The BSF’s efforts have led to significant seizures, including contraband worth over Rs 4 crore. Items confiscated in July 2024 include 84.6 tons of sugar, 12,692 Yaba tablets, 360 kg of ganja, 5,669 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and 180 cattle. Additionally, 77 illegal migrants, including 71 Bangladeshi nationals and six Rohingya migrants, were apprehended along with 23 Indian nationals involved in smuggling and eight touts facilitating illegal migration. A joint operation with the Forest Department also resulted in the destruction of 76,000 ganja plants.
The IG reaffirmed the BSF’s commitment to securing the Tripura border and curbing all forms of trans-border crimes and infiltration, ensuring the region’s safety and stability.
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