Tripura News: Illegal infiltration a major problem, significant rise in number of apprehended intruders, says BSF IG
Illegal infiltration of Rohingya people and Bangladeshi nationals is one of major concerns in Tripura, said BSF IG, Tripura frontier, Patel Pijush Purusottam Das, said at a press conference in Agartala on Monday.
The BSF IG said, the year 2023 witnessed an increased influx of Rohingya Illegal Migrants and Bangladeshi nationals through the state of Tripura, utilizing it as a transit route to various destinations within India.
“A total of 1018 individuals were apprehended for attempting to illegally cross the border, including 498 Bangladeshis, 396 Indians, and 124 of other nationalities. This figure marks a significant increase from the 369 apprehensions recorded last year”, he said.
He also said, in curbing cross-border crimes in Tripura, BSF has adopted a non-lethal strategy reaffirming its commitment towards human rights.
This strategic shift has led to a considerable decrease in the use of lethal weapons, with such measures reserved only for extreme and compelling circumstances, BSF IG, Tripura frontier, Patel Pijush Purusottam Das, said at a press conference in Agartala on Monday.
Speaking to the media, The BSF IG said, "unless our jawans are attacked while trying to thwart smuggling bids, we do not use lethal weapons as we also do not want a loss of any life”.
Patel Pijush Purusottam Das also mentioned a robust network of touts operating across the border has been facilitating this illegal migration, providing shelter, and aiding in the acquisition of both genuine and counterfeit identity documents.
In response, November 2023 saw the launch of a special operation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), supported by the BSF, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals involved in these illicit activities. The BSF’s vigilant efforts, in collaboration with sister agencies, have identified key infiltration routes and have been instrumental in monitoring and curtailing the activities of touts, significantly reducing infiltration attempts.
The BSF Tripura Frontier has undertaken several initiatives to fortify the border, including the completion of fencing work and the deployment of technological solutions. The ongoing construction of the Single Row Fence (SRF) and the installation of 503 surveillance cameras are testament to these efforts.
He also said, there are 11 unfenced patches in the State out of which six patches (around 7 km ) had been covered with the SRF and works in remaining unfenced patches would be covered by 2025.
The BSF Tripura Frontier reported a substantial increase in contraband seizures in 2023-24, amounting to Rs. 94,56,52,823, a stark rise from Rs. 58,35,03,616 in the previous year. Items seized include yaba tablets, eskuf, ganja, liquor, etc. Besides, a total of 24,14,200 ganja saplings, valued at Rs. 24,7575000, were destroyed by officials, Das added.
The Frontier has also fostered a strong bond with the border community through various civic action programs, planting a total of 192,403 saplings and engaging in campaigns such as ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and cultural initiatives under ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ and Job fair as well as different sports events.