New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) A notable increase in the number of Bangladeshis attempting to illegally cross into India via the Nepal border has been reported. The year 2025 has seen several apprehensions of individuals making these attempts, according to Indian security forces.

Officials indicate this trend is on the rise, with more infiltration efforts expected from touts in Bangladesh. These individuals, in collaboration with their Indian associates, are increasingly opting for the Nepal route due to the stringent security measures along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Since the removal of Sheikh Hasina, the situation in Bangladesh has become violent, prompting Indian agencies to heighten alertness. Numerous attempts to infiltrate northeastern states and West Bengal have been thwarted, pushing touts to explore the Nepal route for sending illegal immigrants into India.

The route employed by these touts is primarily near Raxaul in the East Champaran district of Bihar. They are currently testing the waters, leading to fewer attempts, but officials warn that once they find success, larger numbers may follow.

Other routes are also being tested by these touts for illegal immigration into India. Intelligence reports suggest that attempts have been made through districts such as Bahraich, Gonda, and Balrampur. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), responsible for securing the Indo-Nepal border, has issued a high alert and deployed 1,700 personnel to tackle this issue.

These personnel are actively conducting extensive operations in forested areas near Nepal to prevent extensive illegal immigration. Additionally, 9,000 personnel have been stationed in regions including Pilibhit, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Maharajganj.

An official from the Intelligence Bureau has stated that the Nepal border poses a significant concern. "We have been informed of a considerable number of Bangladeshis taking refuge in Nepal's border areas, awaiting an opportunity to enter India illegally," the official remarked. These individuals have been residing in Nepal for an extended period, biding their time for the right moment to cross over.

Despite the change in route, the underlying objective remains consistent, according to officials. The aim is to induce demographic alterations. Moreover, with the ISI enhancing the terror infrastructure in Bangladesh for potential use against India, many of these illegal immigrants are likely to be integrated into modules operating in Bihar, West Bengal, and the northeastern states, officials caution.

Since Operation Sindoor, the ISI has significantly modified its strategies. The open border with Nepal is being exploited by Pakistan to infiltrate terrorists, especially as the heavily secured Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) are difficult to breach due to Indian armed forces' vigilance.

Following Hasina’s ousting, the ISI and Jamaat-e-Islami have consolidated their influence over Bangladesh. These changes have led Indian security agencies to maintain heightened vigilance along the Bangladesh border. Consequently, moving illegal immigrants through Bangladesh has become increasingly difficult, prompting a shift towards the Nepal border, as noted by an official.

The Intelligence Bureau anticipates a significant uptick in activities in the coming months, with substantial security measures focused on the upcoming West Bengal elections. Touts facilitating illegal immigration are likely to exploit this situation to enhance their operations via the Nepal border, officials warn.

With elections in Bangladesh scheduled for February 12, intelligence agencies foresee potential violence and unrest both prior to and during the elections. Such circumstances are expected to provide opportunities for touts to conduct illegal immigration, according to another official.

The upcoming months are expected to be challenging, and Indian security agencies will need to address multiple issues, particularly regarding the situation in Bangladesh, warns an Intelligence Bureau official.