18 infiltrators stopped from entering Indian territory, says Assam CM
Guwahati, July 30
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that authorities had prevented 18 foreign nationals from entering India as part of the state's sustained drive against illegal infiltration, reiterating that the government remains committed to safeguarding Assam's security and demographic interests.
In a post on X, CM Sarma said the state administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal entry and that surveillance along the international border continues round the clock.
"Our vigilance remains uncompromising, with strict monitoring and action continuing 24×7," the Chief Minister said, adding that stringent action had been taken against the 18 foreign nationals who were stopped from entering the country.
However, CM Sarma did not specify the location where the individuals were intercepted, nor did he disclose their nationality or provide further operational details.
The latest development comes amid heightened vigilance along Assam's international border, where security agencies have intensified monitoring to curb cross-border infiltration and other illegal activities.
Assam shares a 267.5-km international border with Bangladesh across the districts of Sribhumi, Cachar, Dhubri and South Salmara-Mankachar.
Given its geographical location, the state has remained a key transit point for cross-border movement, prompting authorities to maintain strict surveillance along vulnerable stretches.
The state is also home to the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Sutarkandi in Sribhumi district, one of the three ICPs located along the India-Bangladesh border in the Northeast.
The other two ICPs are situated at Dawki in Meghalaya and Akhaura in Tripura. In addition, Assam has another Integrated Check Post at Darranga along the India-Bhutan border.
Border security was significantly tightened after political unrest erupted in Bangladesh in 2024, leading to concerns over possible illegal crossings into India. Since then, Assam Police have been working in close coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent unauthorised entry while ensuring that Indian citizens stranded in Bangladesh can return through designated and authorised entry points.
The Assam government has repeatedly maintained that preventing illegal infiltration remains one of its top priorities, with security agencies continuing surveillance and enforcement measures along the state's international borders.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good move, but I wish they had shared more details about these 18 people. Where were they caught? What nationality? Without transparency, it's hard to fully trust the numbers. Still, any step to secure our borders is welcome. Let's hope this isn't just political showmanship.
As someone from Assam, I can tell you this issue is very real. The demographic changes over the decades have caused a lot of tension. Kudos to CM Sarma for taking a strong stand. But we need more than just stopping a few people—we need a proper NRC update and better border fencing all along the 267 km border with Bangladesh. 😤
I'm from the US and have been following this closely. India's border security in the Northeast is impressive compared to many countries. 24x7 surveillance shows commitment. Hope they also address the humanitarian side for those genuinely fleeing persecution in Bangladesh though.
While I support securing our borders, I'm concerned about the lack of transparency—no details on the intercepted individuals' background or where they were stopped. Assam's demographics are sensitive, but we must handle this with due process. Every case should be investigated, not just publicized for political points. Still, better than doing nothing.
Sharma ji is doing a great job! The Assam government's coordination with BSF is key. But remember, infiltration isn't just through Bangladesh—we also have the Bhutan border (Darranga ICP). Need to secure that too. And what about returning Indian citizens? Hope they have safe corridors. Overall, good step! 💪
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