Agartala, December 1: Tripura Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday praised the Border Security Force (BSF) for effectively curbing infiltration along the Indo–Bangladesh border here, asserting that the trend has now reversed with illegal migrants being sent back to Bangladesh as per law through joint coordination between BSF and its counterpart across the border.
Speaking at the BSF Frontier headquarters in Sal Bagan in the outskirts of Agartala during the Diamond Jubilee BSF Day celebration, Dr. Saha said that despite Tripura’s geographical challenges, the BSF has delivered outstanding results in safeguarding the 856 km-long border that the state shares with Bangladesh on three sides.
“Earlier, infiltration was a major concern due to difficult terrain and unfenced areas. But today, BSF’s commendable work has ensured that infiltration has almost stopped,” he said.
The Chief Minister stated that the central government is placing strong emphasis on curbing illegal migration, especially in states like Tripura that remain vulnerable due to their location.
He noted that the BSF maintains regular communication with the state government and police, ensuring that any emerging challenges are promptly addressed.
Dr. Saha also strongly backed the implementation of the State-wide Infiltrator Registry (SIR), calling it essential for identifying illegal migrants and protecting democratic processes.
Citing Bihar as an example where SIR has already shown positive results, he said the initiative would also be taken up in West Bengal and Tripura.
“Those who were in power earlier used illegal migrants as a vote bank and even turned infiltration into a source of income. That is why they are protesting against SIR. But these protests will not stand, as the Prime Minister and Home Minister have clearly stated that no illegal outsider will be allowed to stay in India,” he said.
He further added that SIR would help ensure that only genuine Indian citizens exercise voting rights and that illegal migrants, who pose security threats, are identified and removed.
“SIR is the need of the hour and will contribute greatly to national security in the coming days,” he said.
The evening celebrations also included a cultural programme, followed by Bara Khana, in which the Chief Minister participated alongside BSF troopers, IG BSF S. Chakraborty, and other dignitaries.
