Agartala: The infiltration of individuals, particularly from the Rohingya community, across the Bangladesh border into the Northeast state of Tripura has emerged as a “very serious” issue.
This was informed by an official from the ministry of external affairs (MEA).
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
This remark from the MEA official came following the recent arrest of 29 Bangladeshi nationals without valid travel documents in Tripura over the past weekend.
“Infiltration, especially by Rohingyas, has become a significant threat. We’ve detected the presence of Rohingyas in regions such as Hyderabad, Haryana and Kashmir, which poses a security risk,” said Ankan Banerjee, joint secretary of the MEA.
The issue of infiltration is currently being addressed at the highest levels of government.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Banerjee explained that while there is a strong desire to repatriate illegal immigrants, the MEA cannot proceed without the host country confirming their nationality.
“The infiltrators often provide incorrect information, and the host country is reluctant to take them back,” the MEA official stated.
He added: “The MEA acts as an intermediary and cannot grant clearance without the host country’s confirmation of nationality.”
Banerjee’s visit to Tripura was part of the Videsh Sampark Programme, an initiative by the MEA to foster collaboration between the central government and state governments for mutual benefits.
The event saw participation from Tripura home secretary PK Chakravarty and DGP (intelligence) Anrag Dhankar.
The ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, marked by student protests and the subsequent deployment of the army, has further complicated the situation.
Official reports indicate that 150 people have been killed during the unrest.