Is Security Enhanced Across the Northeast Ahead of Independence Day?

Guwahati, Aug 14 (NationPress) In light of the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebration on Friday, security measures have been significantly enhanced throughout the Northeastern region. This escalation in vigilance comes with the deployment of additional forces, as confirmed by officials on Thursday.

In Manipur, both the Imphal valley and the hilly areas, including the state capital, have seen a substantial increase in security arrangements to ensure the smooth execution of Friday's Independence Day festivities, according to local officials.

Under the careful oversight of senior authorities, a robust presence of the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), in conjunction with Manipur Police, has been established in response to the ethnic tensions that have affected the northeastern states since May 2023.

Preparations are in full swing for the Independence Day events across the state, with the main celebration slated for Friday at the first Manipur Rifles ground in Imphal.

As part of the security protocols, mobile check posts have been set up at various key locations in Manipur to inspect vehicles and conduct passenger checks.

Some outlawed groups, mirroring past years, have initiated a shutdown on Friday to protest against the Independence Day celebrations. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, along with BJP Manipur President Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, spearheaded a large Tiranga Rally from Luwangsangbam in Imphal East to commemorate the 79th Independence Day.

In Meghalaya, the BSF has fortified vulnerable stretches along the 443 km India-Bangladesh border. This decision follows a recent incident involving an armed invasion by Bangladeshi infiltrators who assaulted and attempted to kidnap a local villager in the South West Khasi Hills district.

On August 8, a group of eight to ten armed men crossed the border and attacked Rongdangai village, injuring a civilian and damaging property. From August 9 to 11, collaborative efforts by BSF troops and Meghalaya authorities led to the arrest of six Bangladeshi nationals linked to the gang. A variety of items, including a Bangladesh Police ID, wireless devices, wire cutters, currency from both countries, a suspected explosive, and handcuffs, were recovered after the incident.

Tragically, one intruder, identified as Akram, succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter.

Officials from various northeastern states report that district authorities have implemented strict restrictions on the movement of certain goods along the India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar borders.

These measures, enacted under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), aim to thwart potential infiltration by extremist groups and curb illegal cross-border trade.

As per directives, no individuals are allowed to move within a one-kilometer zone along the international borders in the Northeastern states from sunset to sunrise.

The BSF has heightened surveillance and patrolling along the 1880 km India-Bangladesh border, which encompasses Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Simultaneously, the Assam Rifles are maintaining similar vigilance along the 1643 km India-Myanmar border, which includes Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.

A senior police official in Agartala indicated that the state government has urged the BSF to enhance their watchfulness along the India-Bangladesh border to prevent illegal crossings and clandestine movements.

The official stated, “Although we do not anticipate any threats from militant groups or hostile entities ahead of Independence Day, we have initiated multiple steps to elevate security and awareness across the border state.”

Security has also been augmented at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, shopping areas, markets, and other crowded venues. Close monitoring is ongoing in all sensitive and crucial locations.

“Night patrols have been intensified, and situations are under constant surveillance. Bomb squads and dog units are conducting regular inspections at vulnerable sites as well as on all types of vehicles,” said the official.

In Aizawl, an Assam Rifles representative confirmed that their forces are on high alert along the unprotected India-Myanmar border to prevent any form of infiltration.

“Thanks to the increased vigilance, smuggling of drugs and firearms has significantly decreased across the India-Myanmar borders in recent times,” the official stated.