Agartala, May 31: Tripura has intensified its efforts against illegal immigration, with over 3,700 foreign nationals arrested since 2022 for entering India unlawfully. Among those detained, 3,463 are Bangladeshi citizens.
According to a senior official from the Home Department, 965 Bangladeshis were arrested in 2022. This number increased to 1,014 in 2023, followed by 947 in 2024, and 537 so far in 2025.
Most of the arrested individuals have been repatriated to their home countries after completing legal and diplomatic processes. Currently, 220 foreign nationals remain incarcerated in various jails across Tripura.
The total arrests include 227 Rohingya individuals, with the remainder coming from countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, France, and Pakistan.
During a recent budget session of the Tripura Assembly, Chief Minister Manik Saha stated that the government is taking serious measures to prevent cross-border infiltration. He mentioned that special task forces (STFs) have been established in all eight districts of the state, following directives from the Home Ministry after a change in power in Dhaka.
“The STF is not only focused on preventing infiltration but is also closely monitoring potential terrorist activities, drug trafficking, extremist organizations, and international crimes,” the Chief Minister noted.
Saha, who also oversees the Home Department, acknowledged that some sections of the international border still lack barbed wire fencing due to various reasons. He emphasized, “The state government will not compromise on issues related to cross-border infiltration.” Measures are also being taken to curb the use of fake documents.
Tripura shares an 856-kilometer border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the country on three sides, making it highly sensitive to illegal immigration, smuggling, and other cross-border crimes. Most of the border has been fenced to prevent smuggling and illegal crossings, except for a 21-kilometer stretch.
A senior officer from the Border Security Force (BSF) reported that security and surveillance along the international border have been intensified following the outbreak of violence in Bangladesh in June-July 2024 and the subsequent ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Tripura High Court has recently directed the state government to submit a detailed report within three months on the measures taken to prevent infiltration. This directive was issued during a hearing of a petition filed by senior leader Ranjit Debbarma and two others, who alleged that the state government has not taken effective steps to curb illegal immigration despite the Home Ministry’s instructions.
Debbarma stated that immediate action is necessary to protect the state’s internal security and the interests of tribal communities. He has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging that some illegal immigrants have managed to obtain Indian identity and residency documents with the help of corrupt officials.
These documents include Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, ration cards, Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC), health cards, and other government documents.
Debbarma pointed out that the language, food habits, physical appearance, and cultural traits of Bangladeshi citizens closely resemble those of many permanent residents in Tripura, making it difficult to identify illegal immigrants.
Citing media reports, he claimed that approximately 148,000 illegal voters reside in Tripura. He has written multiple letters to Governor Indra Sen Reddy Nallu, Chief Minister Manik Saha, and other senior officials regarding this issue, but effective action has yet to be taken.
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