Security has been tightened across Northeast India ahead of the 79th Independence Day, with intensified border patrols, movement restrictions, and heightened vigilance in airports, markets, and transport hubs. Central and state forces are on high alert along the India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar borders to prevent infiltration and maintain peace.
With the 79th Independence Day approaching, security agencies have stepped up vigilance across the Northeastern region, placing special emphasis on international border areas to ensure a peaceful celebration. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that multi-layered security arrangements are in place, particularly in states sharing borders with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Heightened Vigil in Manipur
In Manipur, where ethnic tensions have persisted since May 2023, the security build-up is particularly visible. The Central and state forces, including the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Manipur Police, have intensified operations in both urban and remote hill areas.
“All the central and state forces have stepped up search operations in fringe, vulnerable, and mixed-populated areas to prevent any untoward incident ahead of the Independence Day celebration,” a senior Manipur Police officer said.
Border Security Restrictions and BNSS Enforcement
Authorities in all eight Northeastern states have implemented strict restrictions along the India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar borders. The measures, enforced under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibit movement within a one-kilometre belt of the international borders between sunset and sunrise.
These steps are designed to prevent possible infiltration by extremist elements, as well as to curb illegal cross-border trade and smuggling activities.
BSF troops have intensified patrolling along the 1,880-kilometre-long India-Bangladesh border covering Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Similarly, the Assam Rifles have reinforced security along the 1,643-kilometre India-Myanmar border spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Security Measures in Tripura and Other States
A senior Tripura police official told IANS that while there is no specific militant threat at present, security measures have been increased to maintain a high state of alertness.
“Security has been tightened in airports, railway stations, bus terminals, shopping malls, markets, and other crowded public places. Night patrolling has been enhanced, and bomb and dog squads are conducting regular checks at vulnerable sites and on all types of vehicles,” the official said.
In Sepahijala district, BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officers held a battalion commander-level meeting at the Integrated Check Post in Srimantapur. The meeting aimed to address bilateral border management issues and ensure peace and stability in the region.
Assam Rifles on Alert at India-Myanmar Border
In Aizawl, an Assam Rifles spokesperson confirmed that their troops remain on high alert along the porous and largely unfenced India-Myanmar border.
“Due to intensified border surveillance, incidents of drug and arms smuggling have reduced significantly in recent months,” the official noted.
Monitoring and Preparedness Across Northeast
Authorities across the Northeast are monitoring the situation closely with 24/7 command and control systems in place. Surveillance technologies, human intelligence networks, and inter-agency coordination have been scaled up to ensure quick responses to any threat.
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Security forces are also working in close cooperation with local communities to gather intelligence and foster public cooperation during the celebrations. The overarching aim, officials emphasised, is to ensure that the 79th Independence Day is observed in a peaceful and safe environment across the region.
