Agartala, Apr 24, 2024, By Our Correspondent
In an attempt to curbing cross-border crimes and ensuring the protection of human rights, the Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura has adopted a strategic shift towards a non-lethal approach, drastically reducing the use of lethal weapons except in extreme and compelling circumstances. This announcement was made by BSF Inspector General Patel Pijush Purusottam Das during a press conference held in Agartala on Monday.
IG Das emphasized that the BSF's primary objective is to prevent smuggling activities across the border without compromising on the preservation of life. "Unless our jawans are attacked while thwarting smuggling bids, we do not resort to using lethal weapons," he stated, underscoring the BSF's commitment to minimizing any loss of life during border operations.
Speaking further on the border challenges faced by Tripura, IG Das highlighted a concerning rise in illegal infiltration during the year 2023, particularly noting an influx of Rohingya Illegal Migrants and Bangladeshi nationals utilizing Tripura as a transit route into India. According to him, a total of 1018 individuals were apprehended for attempting illegal border crossings last year, representing a significant increase from previous years. Among those apprehended, 498 were Bangladeshis, 396 were Indians, and 124 belonged to other nationalities.
IG Das attributed this rise in illegal immigration to the activities of a robust network of touts operating along the border, facilitating illegal migration by providing shelter and assisting in acquiring both genuine and counterfeit identity documents. To counter this trend, the BSF collaborated with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on a special operation launched in November 2023, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals involved in illicit activities related to illegal immigration and smuggling.
The BSF's efforts to strengthen border security have been marked by the completion of fencing work and the deployment of advanced technological solutions. Notably, the ongoing construction of the Single Row Fence (SRF) and the installation of 503 surveillance cameras have significantly enhanced the monitoring and control of infiltration routes.
Despite challenges posed by 11 unfenced patches along the border in Tripura, IG Das reported substantial progress, with six patches (covering approximately 7 km) already fortified with the SRF. Plans are in place to secure the remaining unfenced areas by 2025.
Furthermore, the BSF Tripura Frontier reported a sharp increase in contraband seizures during 2023-24, amounting to Rs. 94,56,52,823—an escalation from Rs. 58,35,03,616 recorded in the previous year. Seized items included narcotics like yaba tablets, eskuf, ganja, and liquor. Additionally, officials destroyed 24,14,200 ganja saplings valued at Rs. 24,7575000.
In addition to these law enforcement efforts, the BSF Tripura Frontier has actively engaged with the border community through various civic action programs. This engagement has included planting 192,403 saplings, participating in cleanliness campaigns such as 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan,' and organizing cultural initiatives and sports events under national campaigns like 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' and 'Meri Mati Mera Desh'.