Agartala, Dec 2:
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has stated that while infiltration from Bangladesh has significantly declined, the state is now witnessing cases of exfiltration from the Indian side. Speaking to the media after attending the BSF’s Diamond Jubilee Raising Day on Monday night, he said the trend has reversed due to strengthened border vigilance.
Tripura, with its 856-km-long international border—much of it running through rivers, forests, and hilly terrain—has historically been vulnerable to illegal migration, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes. CM Saha said that while infiltration was once a serious concern, recent years have seen remarkable improvement.
“There is no infiltration from across the border. Instead, exfiltration is taking place. The BSF has been smoothly sending back infiltrators after coordination with the BGB and other authorities, following all legal procedures,” he said.
The Chief Minister credited the firm stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for bolstering border security. He also acknowledged that guarding the Tripura border remains challenging due to its geography and some unfenced patches, but emphasised that the BSF remains “extra alert” in these vulnerable areas.
CM Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the BSF is working closely with the state police and government to ensure border security. According to BSF data for 2025, the force apprehended 57 Rohingya illegal migrants, 628 Bangladeshi nationals, and 280 Indian nationals during various operations. Drugs and contraband worth ₹51.65 crore were seized, and around 31.23 lakh illegally grown ganja saplings across 452 acres were destroyed.
BSF officials said enhanced coordination with the BGB through regular meetings at multiple levels has further strengthened bilateral cooperation. Despite most stretches being fenced, isolated unfenced patches continue to pose security concerns, leading to intensified surveillance, especially after the 2024 political turmoil in Bangladesh.
