In a decisive move to address the issue of illegal immigration, the Tripura government is establishing task forces across all its districts to detect and deport infiltrators, primarily from Bangladesh. This initiative follows the constitution of a special task force (STF) by the West Tripura district police, aimed at identifying, detecting, and deporting illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
The West Tripura STF comprises 15 members, including officers-in-charge of all 15 police stations in the district and will be headed by Debasish Saha, Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Intelligence Branch (DIB). This task force is responsible for identifying individuals residing illegally within the district, including Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas.
Once an individual is identified as an illegal immigrant after proper inquiry, their biometric data (fingerprints and facial photographs) and demographic details will be captured and uploaded to the Foreigners Identification Portal maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Subsequently, the individual will be handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation to their native country. Tripura shares a sensitive 856-km-long international border with Bangladesh, making it susceptible to cross-border movement.
The formation of these task forces underscores the government's commitment to addressing concerns raised about the impact of infiltration on the state's socio-economic development and the customs of its indigenous population, particularly the tribal communities. Tipra Motha Party (TMP), a key ally of the ruling BJP in Tripura, has been advocating for the strict implementation of MHA orders concerning the identification, detention, and deportation of illegal migrants. TMP chief Pradyot Debbarma has emphasized that infiltration could negatively affect the socio-economic progress of the state's indigenous people.
Chief Minister Manik Saha has stated that the number of infiltrators entering Tripura has decreased, but the SIT has been formed to detect any remaining illegal immigrants. He also mentioned that security forces are maintaining a close vigil along the border to prevent infiltration, especially after the unrest in Bangladesh last year. The Chief Minister has held meetings with senior security officials from various agencies to coordinate efforts in preventing illegal immigration.
The Tripura government's initiative to form task forces in all districts reflects a comprehensive approach to identify and deport illegal migrants. By strengthening border security and implementing stringent identification processes, the state aims to safeguard the interests of its citizens and maintain law and order.
