India will strengthen vigilance on the Indo-Bangladesh border to prevent illegal immigration and other criminal activities along the border, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said on Wednesday. Deb told the media, “(Home Minister) Rajnath Singh said he would seek the feasibility of installation of CCTV cameras on the fencing along the India-Bangladesh border for better border management.” Tripura shares over 800 km of border with Bangladesh.
The young Chief Minister, who assumed the office after the BJP ended over two decades of Left rule, added, “He also said that his Ministry would consider setting up the Central Control and Monitoring Rooms so as to prevent any illegal activities on the border.”
Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the proper maintenance of roads along international borders. He said, “The border security and infrastructure along the frontiers must be strengthened to stop infiltration, border crimes and to prevent inimical activities.”
Illegal immigration from Bangladesh and crimes along the border have been a thorn in India’s side for decades. The demographic shift underway in Assam as a consequence of illegal immigration is perceived to be a major security threat. Rampant cattle smuggling across the border is a serious cause for concern as well. Not too long ago, a BSF officer was killed by cattle smugglers in Tripura. Under such circumstances, it is of paramount importance that the border is well guarded and that appears to be a strong priority for the new government in the North Eastern state.
