Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, Dec 2: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has stated that while the state earlier grappled with significant infiltration from Bangladesh, the trend has now shifted, with exfiltration cases emerging from the Indian side.
Speaking to the media on Monday night after attending the BSF’s Diamond Jubilee Raising Day, Saha said, “There is no infiltration from across the border. Tripura is now witnessing exfiltration.” He added that the Border Security Force has been sending back individuals crossing over to Bangladesh after proper coordination with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and other concerned authorities.
Tripura, which shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh and is surrounded on three sides by the neighbouring country, remains especially vulnerable to smuggling and cross-border crimes. The Chief Minister noted that although the situation regarding infiltration has improved significantly, the border continues to be difficult to manage due to terrain-related and geographical challenges.
He pointed out that several patches of the border remain unfenced, prompting heightened vigilance from the BSF. Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, praised the BSF for its “commendable job” in guarding the international frontier and highlighted its close coordination with state security agencies to strengthen border management.
According to BSF data for 2025, the force apprehended 57 Rohingya migrants, 628 Bangladeshi nationals, and 280 Indian nationals during various operations. Contraband and narcotics worth Rs 51.65 crore were also seized. Joint operations with Tripura Police and central agencies led to a marked decline in trans-border crimes and the destruction of about 31.23 lakh ganja saplings grown illegally across 452.47 acres in the state.
Officials said collaboration between BSF and BGB has improved through regular meetings at different command levels, enhancing communication and enabling faster resolution of border-related issues. The BSF Tripura Frontier, they added, remains committed to securing the state’s international border.
Despite extensive fencing, isolated unfenced segments continue to pose security risks. Surveillance has been further tightened since the political upheaval in Bangladesh last year following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on August 5, 2024.