Shillong, Nov 4: Following the change in regime in Bangladesh in August this year, infiltration into India by Bangladeshi nationals has increased by several folds. Meghalaya, which shares a long 443- km long international border with Bangladesh, has become a hot spot for these crossings due to many points being unfenced.

On Monday alone, 11 Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian nationals were apprehended along the international borders of Meghalaya in joint operation by BSF, Meghalaya police and locals. Of these 7 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in South West Garo Hills and 4 Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian nationals at Dawki in East Khasi Hills district.

In the first case, seven Bangladeshi nationals who illegally entered into Indian territory were apprehended by the vigilant residents of Boldamgre village of South West Garo Hills in Meghalaya on Monday. These individuals were handed over to the Kalaichar Patrol Post police, and a range of items, including a Bangladeshi passport, Bangladeshi currency notes, mobile phones, and Bangladeshi SIM cards, were recovered from their possession.

This apprehension was part of ongoing joint operations between the District Police of South West Garo Hills and the Border Security Force (BSF) along the India-Bangladesh international border. During these operations, villagers are routinely alerted and encouraged to report any suspicious activity, thereby strengthening border security.

A case has been filed at Mahendraganj Police Station in South West Garo Hills District regarding the apprehension of the seven Bangladeshi nationals.

The apprehended individuals have been identified as: Angur Hussain Afrib (20), son of Jarib Uddin, from Balimari Beparipara, PS Rajibpur, District Kurigram, Bangladesh, Amir Ali (35), son of late Poker Ali, from Beparipara, PS Chilmari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh, Chand Miah (60), son of late Solimuddin Hussain, from Bokbanda, PS Romari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh, Md. Bukul Mia (32), son of late Isa Hoque Ali, from Beparipara, PS Chilmari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh, Mir Jahan (45), son of late Samsul Hoque, from Romna Beparipara, PS Chilmari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh, Md. Rasel Ali (35), son of late Abul Hussain, from Jhorgas Beparipara, PS Chilmari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh and Biblop Miah (35), son of late Bahadur Miah, from Romna Beparipara, PS Chilmari, District Kurigram, Bangladesh

In a press note, BSF informed that these individuals had taken shelter near Baldamgiri Tinali in the border area of the South West Garo Hills District. During the inquiry, they revealed that they had entered the area to travel to Assam in search of employment.

In another anti-infiltration operation on Monday, alert troops of 4-Battalion of BSF Meghalaya apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian nationals. The individuals were identified as Shorobindu Biswas (37 years, BD), Royal Talukder (17 years, BD), Rony Lamin (34 years, BD, tout), Kausalla Talukdar (33 years, female, BD), Shankhor Saha (46 years, Indian national), Ronbir Saha (9 years, Indian national), and Suna Lyngdoh (22 years, Indian national), along with a vehicle near the international border at Dawki in the East Khasi Hills district.

During the inquiry, it was revealed that three Bangladeshi nationals had entered the area seeking employment in Assam, while three Indian nationals had entered Bangladesh to meet their relatives. One Bangladeshi national, identified as a tout, had arranged the vehicle for all individuals.

Earlier, on September 27, based on intelligence reports, ten Bangladeshi nationals traveling toward Zikzak in an auto-rickshaw were apprehended at Boirakupi, Zikzak. A case was registered and is under investigation.

Another incident occurred on October 8, 2024, when a Bangladeshi national was apprehended in Bakdagre, PS Mahendraganj. Based on reliable information, the District Police conducted an operation at 9:30 PM and apprehended the suspect. Another individual managed to escape, using the darkness to evade capture. In this case, both the Bangladeshi national and the local resident who provided temporary shelter were arrested, with investigations ongoing.

The total number of Bangladeshi infiltrators caught has risen to 22 in just odd 40 days in Meghalaya.

Local authorities remain vigilant, working closely with the BSF to monitor the border and prevent illegal entry. Investigations are ongoing in all cases, with the District Police taking necessary steps to ensure security along the international border.

Read: Tragic Discovery of Two Elephant Carcasses Sparks Investigation in West Kamrup

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