Assam Strengthens Border Security to Tackle Illegal Immigration

Guwahati, September 07, 2024: In a strategic move, the Assam government has launched intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration across its international borders. The state administration is implementing a series of actions, aimed at tightening border security and identifying illegal immigrants. Recent reports show an increase in unauthorized border crossings, pushing the authorities to take stricter steps.

From January 2024, authorities have detected 54 illegal immigrants, with the majority apprehended in Karimganj district. 48 were found in Karimganj, 4 in Bongaigaon, and one each in Haflong GRP and Dhubri districts. Out of these, 45 individuals were pushed back to their country of origin, while nine remain in custody in Karimganj. Additionally, there are suspicions of non-Indian nationals and foreign-origin individuals moving across certain areas of Upper Assam and North Assam. These movements pose a significant threat to national security, making immediate action necessary.

To enhance detection, the government has directed the Assam Police Border Organization to take preventive measures. These include increasing surveillance at border outposts and closer collaboration with central agencies such as the Border Security Force (BSF). The aim is to improve coordination and intelligence-sharing for quicker responses.

Key Measures:

– Strengthening Border Surveillance: Increased patrolling in sensitive areas under border outposts to detect and prevent illegal crossings into Assam.

– Coordination with Border Security Agencies: Enhanced collaboration with BSF and central agencies to facilitate information sharing and conduct joint operations for stronger border control.

– Regular Intelligence Gathering: Focused intelligence-gathering efforts on cross-border networks and infiltration routes, deploying trained personnel in key areas to monitor suspicious movements.

– Community Engagement and Awareness: Local awareness programs in border areas to encourage residents to report suspicious activities and aid early detection of illegal immigrants.

– Timely Legal Action: Ensuring that all identified illegal immigrants are promptly referred to Foreigners Tribunals for adjudication.

– Additional Force Deployment: Deployment of additional police forces in vulnerable border districts to assist local authorities in managing increased illegal immigration.

– Strengthening Border Outposts and Documentation: Intensified checks and documentation efforts at border outposts to identify individuals lacking proper identification and prevent evasion.

– Enumeration of Suspected Illegal Immigrants: Activation of village-level networks to gather information on suspected illegal immigrants and coordinate with district police for verification.

– Identification of Absconding Foreigners: Focused efforts to track down individuals declared as foreigners by tribunals who are absconding or evading arrest.

– Capturing Biometrics of Suspected Individuals: Collection of biometric data, such as Aadhaar and other identification details, for future reference of suspected illegal immigrants.

– Enforcement of Citizenship Amendment Act: Strict enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act provisions, ensuring all related instructions are followed in the detection and deportation process.

The Assam government remains committed to combating illegal immigration, using all available resources to maintain the state’s security.

Also read: Assam CM Pushes for Peace and Transparency with Thana Nagarik Samitis