Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Guwahati: Contrary to claims by Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states that only Muslims are infiltrating from Bangladesh, three Hindus among 12 Bangladeshi nationals were nabbed by BSF in Tripura on Saturday for illegal migration.
A statement issued by Tripura frontier headquarters of BSF said three Bangladeshi nationals (two women and one child) were arrested in South Tripura, when they were trying to enter India through the unfenced riverine stretch of the Muhuri river. During questioning, the three were found to be residents of Chadpur district of Bangladesh, who were accompanying three other Indians from South Tripura.
Sources said all six were found to be Hindus. BSF also shared a photograph of the six detained persons.
In another development, BSF troops arrested nine Bangladeshi nationals near Agartala railway station. "On spot questioning, the apprehended persons revealed their identity as Bangladeshi nationals. Further it was revealed that the apprehended Bangladeshi nationals were just released on bail and were planning to move to Kolkata for permanent settlement in India," said the statement.
Tripura shares about 856km of the 4,096km Indo-Bangladesh border, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Mizoram also share the border.
The arrest negates the claim by Chief Ministers of BJP ruled states including Assam that only Muslims were found infiltrating from Bangladesh since the unrest unfolded in the neighbouring country.
Assam CM's appeal to Bengal:
Referring frequent arrests and "push-back" of Bangladeshi nationals from Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma told reporters in Guwahati on Sunday that at least 138 Bangladeshi nationals have been arrested in Assam since the Bangladesh unfolded two months ago. He said those arrested were found to be Muslims.
"There was an apprehension about infiltration of Hindus from Bangladesh. But those arrested so far have been found to be Muslims only. Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura have stepped up efforts to prevent illegal migration but we have concerns about infiltration through the borders in Bengal. Those pushed back from our side may enter India through the border in Bengal. So the Bengal government should also take up the issue more aggressively and assist BSF like the way we are doing." Sarma said.
"Already many Bangladeshi nationals have already crossed the border and settled in many parts of the country," he said.
Bengal shares over 1,200km of border with Bangladesh. Sarma earlier said infiltration of Muslims from Bangladesh increased after the Sheikh Hasina government was removed from power. He said most of them worked in garment factories in Bangladesh but fled after many such factories shut down. "Many such infiltrators are now working in garment factories in Tamil Nadu," Sarma had said earlier.