Security across the Northeast states has been intensified ahead of the 79th Independence Day with heightened border patrols, strict movement restrictions, and enhanced public safety measures. Forces are on high alert in Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and other states to prevent infiltration, unrest, and illegal cross-border activities.
Security across the Northeastern states has been tightened with the deployment of additional forces, intensified patrolling, and heightened vigilance ahead of the 79th Independence Day celebrations on Friday, officials confirmed on Thursday.
In Manipur, authorities have stepped up security measures in both the Imphal Valley and the hilly regions, including the state capital, to ensure smooth Independence Day functions. A large contingent of the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Manipur Police has been deployed to maintain order amid ongoing ethnic tensions in the state since May 2023.
The state’s main function will take place at the First Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal. Security forces have set up mobile checkpoints at strategic locations, inspecting vehicles and frisking passengers. Several outlawed outfits, as in previous years, have called for a shutdown on Friday to oppose the celebrations.
Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, along with BJP Manipur President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, led a massive Tiranga Rally from Luwangsangbam in Imphal East to mark the national occasion.
In Meghalaya, the BSF has sealed sensitive stretches along the 443 km India-Bangladesh border following a recent armed intrusion. On August 8, a group of 8–10 armed men from Bangladesh crossed into Rongdangai village in South West Khasi Hills, stabbing and injuring a civilian, vandalising property, and attempting a kidnapping.
Coordinated operations from August 9–11 led to the arrest of six Bangladeshi nationals linked to the attack. Authorities recovered a Bangladesh Police identity card, wireless sets, wire cutters, Indian and Bangladeshi currency, a suspected explosive, handcuffs, and other items. One intruder, identified as Akram, died during medical treatment after being caught by villagers.
Officials have imposed strict restrictions on movement and transportation of specific commodities in all bordering districts of the eight Northeastern states. These restrictions, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), ban movement within a one-kilometre stretch along international borders between sunset and sunrise.
The BSF has increased patrolling along the 1,880 km India-Bangladesh border with Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Simultaneously, the Assam Rifles have intensified security along the 1,643 km India-Myanmar border with Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland to prevent infiltration and illegal trade.
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A senior police official in Agartala stated that although there is currently no specific militant threat, authorities have enhanced vigilance across airports, railway stations, bus terminals, markets, and other public places. Bomb detection squads, dog squads, and rapid-response units are on constant watch, while night patrolling and surveillance have been increased.
In Aizawl, Assam Rifles personnel remain on high alert along the unfenced India-Myanmar border. Officials said that heightened vigilance has significantly reduced smuggling of drugs and arms through the region in recent months.
Security agencies across the Northeast have assured citizens that all necessary precautions are in place to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations of India’s 79th Independence Day.
