Why Were Five Bangladeshi Citizens Apprehended in Assam?

Synopsis
In a recent incident, five Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended for illegal entry into Assam. This highlights ongoing border security challenges amid unrest in Bangladesh. Chief Minister Sarma confirms that the Assam police remain vigilant, arresting around 1,000 individuals in recent months. The situation raises questions about economic conditions, migration patterns, and the impact of border policies.
Key Takeaways
- Five Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Assam.
- Security forces are actively monitoring the international border.
- Assam Police has arrested around 1,000 illegal immigrants.
- The economic collapse of Bangladesh's textile industry is a major factor.
- No Hindu infiltrators have been arrested in recent months.
Guwahati, May 6 (NationPress) Security forces apprehended at least five Bangladeshi citizens on Tuesday in Assam's South Salmara district for illegal infiltration, and subsequently pushed them back across the border.
Assam's Chief Minister Sarma shared on X: "In our firm resolve against illegal infiltration, @SSalmaraPolice and @BSF_India captured five Bangladeshi nationals attempting to enter unlawfully and returned them across the border."
He emphasized that the Assam Police maintains a constant watch to safeguard the international borders.
Previously, the Chief Minister mentioned, “We are on high alert at the international border due to unrest in Bangladesh to prevent infiltration. Our police have identified numerous illegal immigrants daily at the border; however, no Hindu infiltrators from Bangladesh have been arrested in the last five months.”
Sarma explained that the Hindu community migrated from Bangladesh 30 or 40 years ago, while many others remain in Bangladesh for various reasons.
“Most of the Hindu community members who wished to migrate to India have already done so decades ago. The remaining minority groups still reside in Bangladesh despite facing severe oppression, potentially due to their attachment to their homeland or patriotism,” he articulated.
Additionally, Sarma noted that the surge in Bangladeshi infiltration in recent months can be attributed to the collapse of the textile industry in Bangladesh, resulting in widespread unemployment.
He stated that the economic downturn in Bangladesh has predominantly impacted the majority community.
“To date, we have apprehended around 1,000 Bangladeshi individuals in recent months, and they were promptly returned following their arrests,” remarked the Chief Minister.
He also linked the illegal infiltration to incentives provided by some textile industry owners in India.