Lines Need Reinforcement
Guwahati
Assam Leader of Opposition Debabrata Saikia has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging stronger Border Security Force (BSF) deployment and better coordination to tackle infiltration from Bangladesh.
Saikia highlighted that despite BSF presence along the 267.5 km border, recurring “pushback” operations by Assam Police since May show infiltration remains a “serious challenge.” He noted that over 300 undocumented Bangladeshi nationals have been apprehended and deported during multiple operations in the past three months.
In his letter, Saikia flagged gaps in coordination between state and central agencies, the effectiveness of BSF in difficult terrain, and the diplomatic impact of deportations without Foreigners Tribunal processes. He stressed that such actions may create legal ambiguities and strain relations with Bangladesh.
Calling for urgent Home Ministry intervention, Saikia suggested a comprehensive review of BSF strategies, enhanced technology-based border surveillance, and standard operating procedures to align state actions with national policy. He also sought proactive diplomatic talks with Bangladesh to address root causes of infiltration.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his Independence Day address, warned citizens against staying silent on demographic changes caused by infiltrators. He claimed that outsiders are steadily occupying land, economic spaces, and cultural institutions in Assam.
“If Assamese people remain silent, we may lose our Jati, Mati, and Bheti (community, land, and foundation). Within 15 years, most ministers could be from outside, and one day even the Chief Minister,” Sarma cautioned, urging youth to act.
