Agartala, July 21: The Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened its alertness along the 856 km border that Tripura shares with Bangladesh, in response to the ongoing anti-quota protests in the neighboring country. A senior BSF official confirmed the increased vigilance on Sunday.
Patel Piyush Purushottam Das, Inspector General (IG) of the BSF Tripura Frontier, speaking to reporters at Shalbagan said that BSF troops are on high alert to manage any potential spillover effects from the disturbances in Bangladesh.
“We are fully aware of the situation and have intensified security measures to prevent any criminal elements from exploiting the current unrest,” said IG Patel.
He elaborated that maximum troop mobilization has been carried out, with senior commanders stationed at the border to ensure a high level of operational readiness.
IG Patel also praised the cooperation of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in assisting with the evacuation of Indian students from Bangladesh, noting that the BSF is in constant communication with their counterparts.
The IG highlighted that around 8,000 Indian students, primarily enrolled in medical colleges in Comilla, Brahmanbaria, and Dhaka, have been affected.
Many of these students have returned to India through four Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and Land Customs Stations (LCS), particularly via Agartala in West Tripura district and Srimantapur in Sepahijala district.
“Thanks to the BGB’s efforts, 36 students stranded in Bangladesh were safely escorted to the Agartala border. This was achieved seamlessly and professionally,” IG Patel remarked.
The BSF has arranged refreshments, food packets, transportation, and medical aid at the ICPs for the returning students, coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure a smooth process.
Approximately 300 students returned via the Srimantapur ICP in Sonamura district, and 76 through the Akhaura ICP. Another batch of 300 students is expected to arrive today. Additionally, 628 Bangladeshi nationals entered and left India through these ICPs yesterday.
IG Patel mentioned that 95% of the 856 km Indo-Bangla border in Tripura is fenced, with work ongoing on the remaining 27.5 km.
The BSF continues to work in close coordination with local police to prevent any criminal activities amidst the current situation.
