Agartala: Dec 01: The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended 935 individuals, including Rohingyas, Bangladeshis, and Indian citizens, on charges of infiltration across the border. Additionally, a substantial quantity of drugs and contraband has been seized. This information was revealed during the 60th founding day celebration of the BSF on December 1st.
The Chief Minister of Tripura, Professor Dr. Manik Saha, was the chief guest at the event. The BSF magazine “Gajraj” was also released by the Chief Minister during the ceremony.
The BSF Tripura Frontier has achieved several milestones in 2024. Due to the high level of vigilance and alertness maintained by BSF troops, 1383 cattle were rescued and drugs were seized, including 66,316 bottles of Phensidyl, 9,303.24 kg of cannabis, 605,334 Yaba tablets, 1,222,894.5 kg of sugar, 496.26 grams of gold, 381.01 grams of brown sugar, 1 pistol (7.65 mm) and 210 rounds of ammunition/weapons. Apart from these, the troops were able to seize goods worth Rs. 46,00,45,074, including Bangladeshi currency worth Rs. 48,60,735.
Furthermore, in various operations, the BSF has apprehended 55 Rohingya illegal immigrants, 620 Bangladeshis, and 260 Indian citizens. In a joint operation with state and central agencies, nearly 835,800 cannabis plants illegally grown on 301.31 acres of land in Tripura were uprooted or burnt.
At the event, Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation and honored the heroes of 1971. The Chief Minister congratulated all BSF personnel and appreciated their efforts to maintain peace at the border.
It is noteworthy that since the establishment of the BSF in 1965, its personnel have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation with exemplary courage and professionalism. The BSF has been facing multifaceted challenges related to national security. For years, the BSF Tripura Frontier has been undertaking numerous responsibilities including fighting insurgency, maintaining the sanctity of the border, and preventing trans-border crimes. They have been diligently performing their duties in adverse climatic conditions in remote and inhospitable terrains, including malaria-affected areas. The BSF has been continuously coordinating with state authorities and other security and intelligence agencies, guarding the border and maintaining harmony among the border population.
The BSF conducts numerous civic action programs for the welfare of the border population, including free medical camps, skill development training, sports tournaments, and cultural activities. Nearly 700 gram sabhas have been organized in the border areas.
To promote national unity, the BSF has organized events like band displays, weapon exhibitions, motorcycle rallies, border visits for school children, tree plantation, unity run, sports events, and blood donation camps across Tripura. Yoga sessions were conducted at various places on International Yoga Day and cleanliness drives were conducted at the sector, unit, and border outpost levels. A large-scale tree plantation campaign has also been launched to protect the environment.
In July 2024, the IG BSF-Region Commanders’ BGB Border Coordination Conference was held in Shillong, Meghalaya, to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Discussions were held on key bilateral issues to enhance coordination between the two border guarding forces, promote the welfare of the border population, and maintain relations between the two friendly countries.
Meanwhile, during the recent unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF, in coordination with the BGB and other agencies, ensured the safe return of Indian students and workers, providing them with all possible assistance. During the recent flood situation, the BSF also extended a helping hand to the people of Tripura.
