Assam Police Strengthen Security Along India-Bangladesh Border

The Assam Police is on high alert along the India-Bangladesh border to prevent illegal entry amid unrest in Bangladesh. The Centre has directed that only verified Indian passport holders can enter. Any illegal entrants will be escorted back. Preparations are also underway for Independence Day security.

The Assam Police is on high alert along the India-Bangladesh border to ensure that no unauthorized person can enter the state amid ongoing unrest in the neighboring country, a senior officer confirmed on Saturday.

The central government has issued a directive prohibiting the illegal entry of individuals from Bangladesh into India, according to Director General of Police G P Singh.

'The Border Security Force (BSF) serves as the first line of defense along the border, while the Assam Police, as the second line, is also maintaining stringent vigilance,' Singh told reporters at a recent book launch.

'There is an exception for Indian passport holders, primarily students and traders, who will be permitted entry after thorough verification of their documents,' the DGP elaborated.

The Centre has also mandated that Bangladeshi citizens found crossing the border illegally be returned to their country through a secure corridor post-verification of their identification and visas, Singh added.

'Besides these regulated movements, there has been no unauthorized entry into the state. Assam Police is actively conducting joint patrols with the BSF,' he said.

In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day, the DGP assured that comprehensive security measures are being implemented across the state.

'Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to enhance security at parade grounds,' he stated.

The DGP recently visited several districts in Upper Assam to assess security measures, in response to reports about a group of ULFA (I) militants near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

'We have reviewed the situation with the police, army, CRPF, and Assam Rifles and discussed strategic actions to neutralize the threat,' he mentioned.

The DGP urged the militant outfit to refrain from violence, emphasizing the state's economic progress due to increased investments. He reiterated that both central and state governments are open to dialogue with ULFA (I) if they have any grievances.

(With inputs from agencies.)