Breaking News: Assam CM Clarifies on Bangladesh Infiltration Claims
Himanta Biswa Sarma says no Hindus have entered India from Bangladesh.
Guwahati: Amidst ongoing tensions in Bangladesh, Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, dropped a significant statement on Saturday. He claimed that Hindus are not trying to flee to India from Bangladesh but rather staying put and fighting in their homeland.
"Hindus are sticking it out in Bangladesh. In the last month alone, we haven’t found a single Hindu crossing over, but we’ve detained 35 Muslim infiltrators. Just today, I tweeted about arresting two individuals in Karimganj, and we sent them back last night," Chief Minister Sarma told reporters in Silchar.
No Record of Hindu Infiltration
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that there are no records of Hindus from Bangladesh entering Assam. "We intercepted these infiltrators and returned them. Noticeably, none were Hindus. Hindus are fighting their battles and aren’t looking to migrate to India. They are appealing to our Prime Minister to urge the Bangladesh government to ensure their safety," Sarma added.
Earlier, the Assam CM had posted on social media platform X about the apprehension of two Bangladeshi nationals at Badarpur railway station by Assam Police.
"Two Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended at Badarpur railway station by @assampolice. The apprehended individuals were identified as Masum Khan from Modelganj Police Station in Bangladesh and Sonia Akhtar from Dhaka, Bangladesh. They reportedly entered India through the Madhoppur (BD)-Agartala route and were on their way to Bangalore. In collaboration with the BSF, Assam Police successfully sent them back across the border last night," Sarma stated in his post.
Background of Protests in Bangladesh
The protests in Bangladesh started in early July, demanding reforms in the quota system that reserves certain civil service jobs for specific groups, including the descendants of veterans from the 1971 war.
These protests have escalated the political climate in Bangladesh, but according to Chief Minister Sarma, Hindu citizens are staying back and dealing with the situation rather than escaping to India.
The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time when immigration and border security issues are hot topics, reflecting the government’s stringent stance on illegal migration.
The Big Picture
The issues at the Bangladesh border have their roots deep in the socio-political turmoil that the neighboring country is currently experiencing. The demand for reforming the civil service quota system has sparked widespread protests, increasing the flow of people trying to cross into India. However, Sarma’s statements suggest that Hindus, a minority in Bangladesh, are not part of this influx.
He also pointed out that the arrested individuals, all from the Muslim community, were systematically pushed back to maintain border security. This action is consistent with the policies that the state has adopted to handle cross-border infiltration.
On the Ground Reality
According to local reports, the Assam Police and BSF are working round the clock to monitor and manage the borders. Surveillance has been ramped up, and authorities are intercepting those attempting to enter India illegally. This collaborative effort is crucial in maintaining order and preventing unlawful entry.
Meanwhile, back in Bangladesh, the protests continue to gain momentum, potentially leading to more stringent border controls both within and outside the country. The Assam CM’s assertive stance highlights the state’s readiness to handle any such challenges.
Statement from the Chief Minister
"Security is our top priority. We are making every effort to ensure that people enter India through the correct legal channels. The recent arrests and pushbacks underscore our commitment to this policy. Hindus in Bangladesh have not tried to enter Assam; they are seeking security within their own nation," said Chief Minister Sarma.
Final Thoughts
The statements made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma bring to light the complex and sensitive issue of cross-border migration between India and Bangladesh. As protests continue to unfold in Bangladesh, the Assam government appears resolute in its approach to manage and secure the border.