1018 illegal infiltrators detained in 1.5 years from Indo-Bangla border in Tripura; BSF is on strict vigil

With the cross-border crimes, especially illegal infiltration, emerging as the biggest challenge for the BSF in guarding the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, at least 1018 illegal infiltrators were detained from the bordering areas of the state in one and half year starting from January previous year.

Addressing a press conference here at Salbagan frontier headquarter, Inspector General Piyush Patel Purushottam Das said 1,018 individuals, including 498 Bangladeshis, were arrested from January 2023 till April this year for illegally crossing the border.

"Out of the total, 498 were Bangladeshi nationals, 396 were Indian nationals, and 124 were nationals from other countries who were intercepted while attempting to infiltrate or exfiltrate across the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura," he told reporters.

He said that a group of touts living in both countries are facilitating infiltration and exfiltration and based on surveillance checks, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the border force apprehended 29 touts in November and December last year. The authorities are keeping an eye on some who remain to be caught, he added.

On enhancing the border infrastructure, the BSF official said, “Currently, the Single Row Fence (SRF) work is in progress at eight gaps in stretches. The BSF has also taken initiatives at the local level to plug the nullah and culvert gaps to prevent illegal activities.”

“The BSF Tripura Frontier has also taken initiatives to install smart surveillance system with 503 surveillance cameras to enhance the border domination in most smuggling and infiltration prone areas,” he added.

Highlighting the BSF’s achievement in the anti-insurgency front, he informed that the BSF maintained strong vigil on the border to prevent trans-border movement of insurgents, particularly in the eastern segment of the State. BSF formations under Tripura Frontier persistently persuaded 18 insurgents of NFLT (BM) Cadre for surrender and joining the mainstream of society, he said.