284 Flee Bangladesh Unrest, Enter India Through Meghalaya

A total of 284 individuals entered India on Saturday from violence-stricken Bangladesh via the Dawki integrated check post in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district, officials reported. Among them, 168 are from Nepal, 115 from India, including eight students from Meghalaya, and one from Canada. Over the past three days, 953 people from India, Nepal, Bhutan, and one from Canada have crossed into India through Dawki ICP due to the unrest in Bangladesh.

Violence in Bangladesh

Violence has intensified in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh due to student protests demanding changes to the quota system for government jobs. The protesters are calling for an end to a system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.

The Meghalaya government has set up a helpline for those affected by the violence in Bangladesh and seeking assistance. Meanwhile, more than 40 students from Assam have returned from Bangladesh since the violence began, according to officials in Guwahati.

Assam Government's Response

The Assam government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of its residents in Bangladesh. "Till 19th July, 41 students from Assam were safely repatriated from Bangladesh via Sutarkandi integrated check post amid violent protests against job quotas," stated a post on the Karimganj district commissioner's Facebook page.

District Commissioner Mridul Yadav mentioned that more students are expected to return through the border point. "The district administration is geared up to help them. A magistrate and deputy superintendent of police have been stationed 24 hours at the border till the situation eases," he said. Yadav added that no tension is anticipated in the border area as the ongoing problems of Bangladesh are its internal matters.

Some students from Dhubri have also reportedly crossed over through West Bengal and are expected to reach their home district by train later on Saturday, another official said. The state government is yet to share the number of people from Assam residing or visiting Bangladesh or whether people have contacted the government for safe evacuation.

"The state government is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate plans to help citizens return in light of the situation in Bangladesh. Those who wish to return may contact the @ihcdhaka helpline: +880-1937400591," posted the Chief Minister’s Office on X.

The Karimganj DC and superintendent of police visited the ICP at Sutarkandi and interacted with returning students, enquiring about their wellbeing and future plans. The Assam government continues its efforts to ensure the safety and repatriation of its citizens amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.

The situation remains tense as authorities work tirelessly to bring back those affected by the violence. The helpline numbers and coordinated efforts between state governments and MEA aim to provide necessary support during this crisis.