The Assam Police have arrested five Bangladeshi nationals, including two women, for illegally crossing the Indo-Bangladesh border without valid travel documents.

The individuals—identified as Md Noor Islam, Md Imran, Yasmin Akhtar, Ishmo Tara Akhtar, and Md Babul Hussain—were apprehended and later deported back to Bangladesh. This adds to the rising number of over 160 Bangladeshi nationals detained and deported from Assam this year.

Heightened Border Security Amid Rising Cross-Border Movements

Assam’s security forces have intensified vigilance along the 1,885-kilometer-long Indo-Bangladesh border in response to increasing illegal crossings. Many of those detained reportedly entered India seeking better job opportunities, a trend driven by ongoing political and economic instability in Bangladesh.

Despite fencing efforts, some areas of the border remain porous, making them hotspots for illegal infiltration and human trafficking. To counter this, security agencies have enhanced patrolling and surveillance, focusing on vulnerable stretches.

Sensitive Issue of Undocumented Migration

The arrest of undocumented migrants is a highly sensitive issue in Assam, which has historically faced challenges related to illegal infiltration, demographic changes, and national security concerns. The state has been at the forefront of debates on managing these challenges while balancing humanitarian considerations and the need for stringent border control.

The surge in cross-border movements continues to strain Assam’s resources and security infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for robust border management policies.