Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday confirmed that state authorities apprehended 13 foreign nationals who were attempting to enter India illegally. According to him, all individuals were intercepted near the international border and were pushed back to the other side after following due legal procedures. The Chief Minister, however, chose not to disclose any information regarding their nationality or ethnic background, citing security and procedural reasons.
Firm Stand Against Illegal Immigration
In a post shared on X, Sarma reiterated the Assam government’s uncompromising stance on illegal immigration. He stated that the government remains committed to protecting the rights of all individuals, including illegal immigrants. “We respect their right to remain in their homeland and their right to be pushed back,” Sarma said. Emphasising that the action was carried out lawfully, he added that the authorities ensured proper procedures were followed before returning the 13 individuals across the border. The statement reflects the government’s continued focus on border security while maintaining adherence to legal norms.
Strategic Border and Check Post Infrastructure
Assam shares a 267.5-kilometre-long international border with Bangladesh, covering the districts of Sribhumi, Cachar, Dhubri and South Salmara–Mankachar. The state plays a crucial role in cross-border management due to this extensive boundary. A key Integrated Check Post is located at Sutarkandi in Sribhumi district, which serves as an official and regulated entry and exit point between India and Bangladesh. In the wider Northeast region, additional ICPs operate at Dawki in Meghalaya and Akhaura in Tripura. Assam also hosts another ICP at Darranga along the India–Bhutan border, highlighting the state’s strategic importance in regional border control.
Security Measures and Humanitarian Assurance
Earlier, Assam Police announced that they would intensify surveillance and preventive measures along the border in coordination with the Border Security Force, especially following political unrest in Bangladesh last year. Authorities have also clarified that while illegal entry will not be tolerated, Indian passport holders stranded in Bangladesh will be allowed to return through designated entry points in Assam. Such returns will be managed strictly under established procedures, ensuring both national security and humanitarian considerations are balanced.
