SHILLONG, June 14: Nine people remain stranded in “no-man’s land” along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district after a dispute over their nationality hit a deadlock, sparking concern among border residents and security agencies.
The group was intercepted by the Border Security Force (BSF) while allegedly attempting to cross into Indian territory. As their citizenship has not been conclusively established, the individuals have been unable to enter either country and remain stuck in the border strip.
While reports on Bangladeshi social media claim the individuals were pushed back from India, Indian authorities have not officially commented on the circumstances of the standoff.
Sources said nationality verification is currently underway, and the fate of the group depends on the outcome of these checks. Border officials are using established communication channels between the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to resolve the matter and determine the next course of action.
This incident follows a similar case reported recently at Nandirchar in Meghalaya’s South West Garo Hills district. In that instance, a Bangladeshi national was left stranded after authorities and residents on the Bangladesh side reportedly refused to accept him following his apprehension for illegal entry into India.
Border management officials noted that such cases are often complicated by a lack of identification documents, which delays repatriation and leaves individuals caught between the two nations.
The ongoing standoff highlights the logistical and diplomatic challenges of managing undocumented movement along the international border.
