The Union government on Friday set up a panel to monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh border, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
“In the wake of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Modi government has constituted a committee to monitor the current situation on the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there,” Shah posted on X.
The committee will be headed by the ADG, Border Security Force, Eastern Command.
Apart from the BSF ADG, the four other members of the committee are the BSF’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the South Bengal frontier, the IGP for the Tripura frontier, member (planning and development) of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), and secretary of the LPAI.
A preliminary enquiry by government agencies has found that no major attacks against Hindu or other minority communities have been reported in the immediate vicinity of the India-Bangladesh border, a government official was reported as saying by The Hindu. Since August 5, 2024, four instances have been reported of Bangladeshis crowding along the border, all in North Bengal. In all four cases, they were persuaded to return, with the help of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) and district authorities in the neighboring country.
Nagaland on high alert; Assam, Tripura main states that can be infiltrated, says Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed grave concern over the potential impact of the turmoil in Bangladesh, particularly on the northeastern region of India. He said that while the whole country is concerned, the Northeast will be particularly affected. Rio identified Assam and Tripura as the main states vulnerable to infiltration.
“We are on alert,” Rio told media persons in Delhi. “The states of Tripura and Assam can see infiltration, and it can filter into our state. We are doing all that is needed.” He said that Nagaland is taking comprehensive measures to manage the situation, and that the requirement of an Inner Line Permit for entry adds an additional layer of security. “We hope that we can deal with this,” Rio added.
Nagaland enhances border security
Nagaland Home Commissioner, Vyasan R, IAS, and Commissioner Nagaland, KS Anden Konyak, IAS, held a press conference at the Commissioner’s Office in Kohima following a video conference with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) across the state on August 9, 2024. The meeting addressed the potential impact of the ongoing political instability in Bangladesh on Nagaland, particularly concerning the risk of illegal immigration.
During the press conference, Vyasan R emphasized the importance of preparedness in the face of potential cross-border issues. “We must not be caught off guard by the situation in Bangladesh,” he stated. The Home Commissioner noted that district administrations have already implemented measures to address these concerns. District Security Coordination Committees have been activated, ensuring that each district is on high alert.
Discussions also focused on tightening Inner Line Permit (ILP) checks, activating village councils to monitor and report any unusual movements, and reinforcing communication channels. Vyasan R highlighted the decision to establish cross-border coordination with Assam counterparts to enable early warnings.
Some districts have already initiated surprise checks, and vulnerable points along the border are being thoroughly monitored. “The district administrations are our first responders; our antennas and communication channels are being activated,” Vyasan R added.