Amid evolving diplomatic and political strain between India and Bangladesh, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised serious security concerns for the state. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Sarma said intelligence agencies have flagged the movement of senior leaders of banned militant outfits in Bangladesh. According to him, recent intelligence inputs suggest that top commanders of the United Liberation Front of Assam and some smaller militant groups that are not part of any ceasefire agreement have been spotted across the border. He warned that such developments could have serious implications for Assam’s internal security and for peace in the wider Northeast region.
Intelligence Inputs and Militant Movement Concerns
Detailing the intelligence findings, Sarma said there have been recent visits involving senior militant leaders, raising alarm within India’s security establishment. He noted that the presence of these commanders on Bangladeshi soil has been confirmed through intelligence monitoring. According to the Chief Minister, these are not isolated or routine movements but developments that demand close attention because of Assam’s long history with insurgency. While militancy in Assam has been significantly reduced over the years, Sarma cautioned that any external support or safe haven could reverse hard-won gains. He stressed that Assam shares an international border of more than 800 kilometres with Bangladesh, making the state particularly vulnerable if hostile elements are allowed to regroup just across the border. This geographical reality, he said, makes even small shifts in the regional security environment a matter of grave concern.
Role of Sheikh Hasina Era in Containing Militancy
Sarma also recalled the crucial role played by the previous Bangladeshi government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in tackling militancy. He said the cooperation extended by her government was instrumental in weakening militant networks that once operated freely across borders. According to him, the peace Assam and the Northeast enjoy today would not have been possible without the proactive support of the Awami League-led government. Sarma openly acknowledged that coordinated action between Indian and Bangladeshi security agencies during that period helped neutralise key militant leaders and dismantle their infrastructure. He warned, however, that any political change in Bangladesh that results in hostility towards India could create space for militant outfits to rebuild bases, posing a renewed threat to regional stability and security.
Border Vigilance and Minority Safety Concerns
In recent weeks, Sarma has also spoken out about the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, particularly allegations of atrocities against the Hindu community. He said developments across the border are already having an impact on Assam, especially in districts that share close proximity with Bangladesh. According to him, the central government has taken note of the situation and Assam has been placed on high alert, with security measures tightened in sensitive border areas to prevent any spillover. The Chief Minister said the Assam government would formally urge the Union government to take appropriate diplomatic and administrative steps to ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh. While foreign relations remain the Centre’s domain, Sarma emphasised that state governments have a duty to raise concerns when humanitarian issues and cross-border instability threaten peace and security within their regions.
