Dispur, Assam — In a press conference today, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that his government is ramping up efforts to combat illegal infiltration along the state’s borders. Over the past two months, more than 130 infiltrators, primarily identified as Rohingya Muslims, have been intercepted at the porous Indo-Bangladesh border.
CM Sarma expressed concerns about the challenges faced by border security forces, stating, “Every day, for the last two months, either individuals or groups of foreigners have been apprehended within Assam’s borders. Despite the robust efforts by the Border Security Force (BSF), some infiltrators are still managing to cross into our country.” He emphasized that the state administration is taking a proactive approach in collaboration with the BSF to enhance border security measures.
The chief minister clarified misconceptions about the nature of the infiltrators, noting that contrary to earlier assumptions about Hindu Bengalis fleeing internal unrest in Bangladesh, recent data shows a significant influx of Rohingya Muslims. “We’re not seeing Hindu Bengalis; rather, it is primarily Rohingya Muslims trying to enter various states in the country, including Assam,” Sarma stated.
To address the growing issue, the Assam Police and BSF have been conducting joint operations aimed at curbing illegal entries. CM Sarma highlighted the importance of vigilance among neighboring states that share borders with Bangladesh, such as Tripura and West Bengal. “Assam and Tripura have been actively identifying and intercepting individuals. It is crucial that all states in the region, including Meghalaya and West Bengal, collaborate closely with BSF to ensure a systematic approach,” he added.
When questioned about the possibility of infiltrators using deceptive identities, Sarma reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining legal border entry. “Our objective remains clear—regardless of religious affiliation, anyone entering the country illegally from Bangladesh will be identified and returned. Our cooperation with the BSF is crucial to maintaining vigilance and addressing this issue comprehensively,” he concluded.
The intensified measures come at a time when border security remains a pressing concern for Assam and its neighboring states, as authorities aim to safeguard the integrity of the region.
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