Illegal settlement of Bangladeshi immigrants in India
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 4: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has urged the central government to tighten security measures along the 443-km international border with Bangladesh following reports of Bangladeshi nationals entering India through Meghalaya.
Expressing concern, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh described the situation as alarming and emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent further illegal infiltration.
“This concerns the international border. The Centre must take proactive steps, and the BSF should enhance its vigilance along the porous border,” Myrboh said. He noted that the ongoing situation in Bangladesh might compel its citizens to seek refuge in safer areas, making the border more vulnerable. He also called on states bordering Bangladesh in the Northeast to remain alert.
It may be noted that the Delhi police has arrested four individuals, including a couple, as part of an investigation into a nexus involving Indian and Bangladeshi nationals who facilitated the illegal settlement of Bangladeshi immigrants in India.
The arrested couple, identified as Hosen and his wife, reportedly entered India through Meghalaya’s porous border with assistance from two Indian nationals.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South), Ankit Chauhan revealed that the investigation led to Aminur Islam, a resident of Goalpara in Assam, who was responsible for transporting illegal immigrants from Meghalaya’s border to railway stations in Assam.
The police uncovered a large syndicate involved in helping Bangladeshis illegally settle in Delhi. Several alleged Bangladeshis have been arrested, and further interrogations are ongoing.
The syndicate reportedly used the “donkey route,” a term for a method of illegal immigration involving long treks to bypass official checkpoints.
According to police, the syndicate’s first module operated from Durgapur in Bangladesh to Baghmara in India, facilitated by Anish Shaikh. This module helped immigrants cross the border into Meghalaya. Modules two and three were tasked with transporting infiltrators from Baghmara to Assam’s Krishnai, approximately 150 km away, via minibus. From Krishnai, they were transported to Kolkata by train or bus. These modules were led by Aminur Islam.
The authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle the network and prevent further illegal activities along the border.