55 Rohingyas among 675 illegal immigrants apprehended in Tripura in 2024: BSF

AGARTALA: A total of 675 illegal immigrants, including 55 Rohingyas, have been apprehended by the BSF's Tripura Frontier so far this year, an official release said on Sunday. The BSF also seized 66,316 bottles of phensedyl cough syrup, over 9,000 kg of ganja and more than six lakh yaba tablets during the period.

"The BSF apprehended 55 illegal Rohingya immigrants, 620 Bangladeshi nationals and 260 Indians in various operations from January 1 to November 30 this year. This is in addition to the BSF's core duty of maintaining strict vigil along the 856-km border with Bangladesh (in Tripura)," the statement, issued to mark the BSF's foundation day on Sunday, said.

The BSF Tripura Frontier has undertaken numerous responsibilities, including combating insurgency, maintaining the sanctity of the border, and preventing trans-border crimes.

The BSF has also consistently maintained synergy with state authorities and other security and intelligence agencies, safeguarding the borders and fostering harmony among the local populace, it said.

A border coordination conference was held in Shillong in Meghalaya in July this year between inspector generals (IG) of the BSF and regional commanders of the BGB.

"Key bilateral issues were discussed to enhance coordination between the two border guarding forces, promoting the welfare of border populations and maintaining ties between the two friendly nations," it said.

It stated that during the recent unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF, in coordination with the BGB and other agencies, ensured the safe return of stranded Indian students and workers, providing them with all possible assistance.

Earlier, Chief Minister Manik Saha, who addressed a programme at the BSF frontier headquarters at Shalbagan in West Tripura, praised the paramilitary force for guarding the international border.

Saha also paid tributes to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty and felicitated the veterans of the 1971 war.