Agartala: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that illegal infiltration continues to pose a serious challenge to the North East and emphasized the need for strict measures along the Indo-Bangladesh border to safeguard the region.
Several North Eastern states share international borders with Bangladesh, including Assam (262 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km), and Mizoram (318 km).
Speaking to the media after offering prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, located in Tripura’s Gomati district, Sarma said infiltration is not only an issue for Assam but a growing concern for the entire North East.
“In Assam, after the Census, the minority population is expected to be close to 40 percent. This presents a complex situation. The condition of the North East is critical, with Assam being the most affected and facing direct challenges. To protect Assam and the North East, we must remain vigilant,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that infiltration from Bangladesh remains a major threat to regional security.
“Assam and Tripura are taking firm action by detaining infiltrators, but West Bengal is not doing the same. If Bengal fails to act in the national interest, the consequences will affect the entire country,” Sarma stated.
He underlined that long-term security in the North East depends on sustained efforts to secure the Indo-Bangladesh border.
“To ensure the safety of the North East, it is crucial to have our government in Assam, Tripura, and Bengal,” he added.
Sarma also clarified that developments in Bangladesh would not influence the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, though public sentiment is growing.
“The situation in Bangladesh will not impact the Assam elections, but people are deeply angered by the atrocities being committed against Hindus there,” he said.
