Assam CM Praises PM Modi’s Border Security Efforts Amid Concerns Over Infiltration

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed strong support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to safeguard India’s borders, particularly in light of concerns over illegal infiltration. Sarma, who also holds the position of BJP’s co-incharge for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand, emphasized that Modi’s government remains committed to protecting Assam’s borders, as well as those of Jharkhand.Sarma stated, “Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, the borders of Assam, as well as Jharkhand, will be effectively secured.”During a recent press interaction, Sarma criticized the Jharkhand government for not addressing the pressing issue of illegal immigration, alleging that the state administration has downplayed these concerns even in its response to the state High Court. He specifically called out the ongoing infiltration in Jharkhand, stating, “While the state government denies it, there has been a continuous influx of migrants into Jharkhand.”Sarma’s comments came just days after addressing a similar issue in Assam. On October 27, he spoke about the growing challenge of illegal border crossings from Bangladesh into Assam. He revealed that over 130 individuals, mainly identified as Rohingya Muslims, had been intercepted in the past two months while attempting to enter the state. Despite rigorous border security efforts by the Border Security Force (BSF), Sarma noted that the porous nature of the Assam-Bangladesh border continues to allow illegal crossings.He also clarified a key distinction regarding the demographic of those attempting to infiltrate Assam, stating, “Contrary to common assumptions, the individuals crossing are primarily Muslim Rohingyas, not Hindu Bengalis.” Sarma stressed that, despite tensions in Bangladesh, there has been no significant migration of Hindu Bengalis into India, contradicting widespread narratives. He also pointed out that many of those apprehended are not seeking refuge but are attempting to enter India in search of employment, particularly in industries like textiles in states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.Furthermore, Sarma mentioned that Assam has been working closely with neighboring states, including Tripura, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, to create a unified approach to secure the region’s borders. He called on West Bengal to intensify its border security efforts to help strengthen this regional security network.Additionally, Sarma appealed to Prime Minister Modi to encourage Bangladesh to better protect its Hindu population, thus reducing the incentive for them to migrate to India. He reiterated his administration’s vigilance in monitoring border activities and ensuring the safety of the state from illegal immigration.