Guwahati: 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)
