Assam Welcomes Back Indian Passport Holders from Bangladesh Amid Disturbances

Assam DGP Gyanendra Pratap Singh announced that Indian passport holders will be permitted to return from Bangladesh through designated entry points in Assam. He emphasised that non-Indians will not be allowed to enter illegally. Singh made these remarks after a law and order review meeting.

Singh stated, "From our side, the direction is clear that we will not allow anyone to illegally enter Assam." He mentioned that during last month's disturbances, 78 students returned from Bangladesh, with 60 from Assam and 18 from other parts of India. This time, all Indian passport holders in Bangladesh will be allowed to return, but others will face legal action if they attempt to enter illegally.

Border Security Measures

Assam shares a 267.5 km international border with Bangladesh across Karimganj, Cachar, Dhubri, and South Salmara-Mankachar districts. An Integrated Check Post (ICP) is located at Sutarkandi in Karimganj. The Northeast region has two more ICPs at Dawki in Meghalaya and Akhaura in Tripura.

The DGP highlighted ongoing monitoring efforts since the recent developments in Bangladesh. "We held a video conference with all SPs of Assam and instructed them accordingly," he said. A separate video conference was also held with the BSF DG, Union Home Secretary, and other officials.

Coordination with Security Forces

The Additional Chief Secretary Home of Assam government discussed the situation with DCs and SPs of the four Assam districts along with senior police officials and the BSF. Singh noted that both the BSF and Assam Police are on high alert and conducting joint patrols along the international border.

On August 5, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister of Bangladesh amid massive student protests against a controversial job quota system. The violence resulted in over 500 deaths, including police personnel.

Security Review Meeting

During the security review meeting, Singh mentioned a ULFAI group operating along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. "We discussed how to neutralise that group and asked all concerned to remain alert so that it cannot enter Assam to carry out any subversive activities," he said.

Singh appealed to ULFAI not to disrupt Assam's path of peace. "If someone has any grievance, then they can talk to the government. But it is not proper to kill innocent people," he stated. The meeting included senior officials from Assam Police, Indian Army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Singh assured that all necessary actions would be taken to prevent any acts by ULFAI inside Assam. He reiterated the commitment of police, CAPF, Army, and intelligence agencies to maintaining peace in the state.

The DGP concluded by stressing the importance of vigilance and cooperation among security forces to ensure safety along the border and within Assam.