How is Security in Northeast Enhanced for I-Day Celebrations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security measures heightened across northeastern states.
- Intensified patrols along international borders.
- Restrictions on movement during nighttime.
- Focus on preventing cross-border infiltration.
- Increased vigilance at airports and crowded places.
Guwahati, Aug 13 (NationPress) In anticipation of the 79th Independence Day festivities, security protocols have been significantly enhanced throughout the northeastern region, with a particular focus on the international borders, as reported by officials on Wednesday.
In Imphal, authorities stated that both Central and state security forces are actively bolstering their efforts to ensure continuous surveillance across the Imphal valley and the surrounding hilly districts.
A substantial presence of the Army, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), alongside Manipur Police, has been deployed in Manipur in response to ethnic tensions that have persisted since May 2023.
“All central and state forces have escalated their search operations in vulnerable, fringe, and mixed-population zones to avert any incidents as we approach the Independence Day celebrations,” stated a senior official from Manipur Police.
Officials from various northeastern states indicated that strict restrictions have been enacted by district authorities in all border districts of the eight northeastern states concerning the movement and transport of specific commodities across the India-Bangladesh and India-Myanmar borders.
These measures, implemented under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), aim to thwart potential infiltration by extremist elements and curb unauthorized cross-border trades.
As per directives, no individual is allowed to move within a one-kilometer buffer along the international borders in the northeastern states during nighttime, from sunset to sunrise. The BSF has amplified its vigilance and patrolling along the 1880 km India-Bangladesh border with Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, while the Assam Rifles have adopted similar measures along the 1643 km India-Myanmar border with Mizoram, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
“We have instructed the BSF to enhance their vigilance along the India-Bangladesh border to prevent illegal crossings and secret trans-border movements,” a senior police official from Tripura shared with IANS in Agartala.
He further remarked, “Despite the absence of threats from militant groups or hostile entities prior to Independence Day, we have implemented a comprehensive series of security measures across the bordering state.”
“Security has also been intensified at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, shopping centers, and other crowded areas. Comprehensive monitoring is underway in these locations and other sensitive sites,” the official added.
“Night patrols have been amplified, and situations are being monitored continuously. Bomb squads and canine units are conducting ongoing checks at all vulnerable and significant sites, as well as on all types of vehicles,” they continued.
A BSF spokesperson revealed that a battalion commander-level meeting between the BSF and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) took place at the Integrated Check Post in Srimantapur, Sepahijala district, to address bilateral border matters and maintain peace.
In Aizawl, an Assam Rifles representative affirmed that their personnel are on high alert along the unfenced India-Myanmar border to prevent any infiltration.
“Due to increased vigilance, there has been a significant reduction in drug and arms smuggling through the India-Myanmar borders in recent months,” the official concluded.