By TC News Desk
Agartala, 31st July 2024 : In an effort to combat illegal infiltration and trans-border crime, the Border Security Force (BSF) Tripura has implemented a comprehensive strategy and increased troop presence in border areas. A press release from the BSF stated that Patel Piyush Purushottam Das, IPS, Inspector General of BSF Tripura, has directed all field commanders to enhance coordination with agencies such as the Tripura Police, Tripura State Rifles (TSR), Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), Customs, Revenue Intelligence (RI), and the Forest Department. The goal is to share intelligence and conduct joint operations against illegal infiltrators and smugglers both at the border and within the hinterland.
To strengthen border security, additional troops have been deployed, particularly in areas vulnerable to smuggling and infiltration. Surveillance efforts have been intensified with the introduction of advanced Hand Held Thermal Imagers and drones. The BSF has taken proactive steps to prevent trans-border crime, including conducting joint operations with sister agencies and establishing mobile check posts at key transit points like railway stations, bus stands, and interstate check posts in collaboration with the Tripura Police and TSR.
The press release highlighted that, in light of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the BSF is closely monitoring developments and maintaining strong coordination with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). Throughout July 2024, the BSF and BGB have held multiple meetings, including an IG BSF-Region Commander level conference, four Commandant level flag meetings, and 150 Company Commander/BOP level meetings. To bolster security in vulnerable border areas, the BSF and BGB have conducted over 100 special coordinated patrols, enhancing mutual trust and synergy. This collaboration was crucial in ensuring the safe return of more than 900 students from Bangladesh through the Tripura border.
In line with its Non-Lethal Strategy, the BSF has successfully thwarted numerous attempts at trans-border smuggling and infiltration. In July 2024 alone, 56 incidents involved the use of non-lethal weapons, resulting in more than 70 rounds fired to deter trans-border criminals and infiltrators. Reports indicate that six trans-border criminals sustained injuries from these incidents.
During July 2024, the BSF seized contraband valued at over Rs 4 crore. The seizures included 84.6 tons of sugar, 12,692 Yaba tablets, 360 kg of ganja, 5,669 bottles of codeine-based syrup, and 180 cattle. Additionally, 77 illegal migrants (including 71 Bangladeshi nationals and six Rohingya illegal migrants), 23 Indian nationals involved in trans-border smuggling, and eight touts facilitating illegal migration were apprehended. The BSF, in collaboration with the Forest Department, also destroyed 76,000 ganja plants during joint operations this month.
The IG emphasized the BSF’s unwavering commitment to securing the Tripura border and eliminating all forms of trans-border crime and infiltration.
