AGARTALA, July 16 (TIWN): Keeping in view the infiltration routes of insurgent groups along the bordering areas, Tripura Left front government has recently sought centre’s nod to fortify border guarding and fencing at the earliest. Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said, “Unless the Mizoram border is also effectively guarded and fenced, the infiltration and ingress of extremists into the state could not be effectively checked.” Sarkar taking up the issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) at Guwahati felt that a comprehensive BSF deployment plan should be worked out by the MoHA for Tripura and Mizoram sector which would address security deficit and meet emerging cross border challenges. It is worthy to mention here that Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) have agreed to construct at least 40 new border outposts (BOPs) along India-Bangladesh bordering Mizoram to check militant activities and trafficking. BSF and BGB had also recently agreed to fortify vigilance along the bordering areas of state to restrict insurgency and infiltration. The mountainous terrain, dense forests and other hindrances make the borders porous and vulnerable, enabling illegal immigrants and intruders cross over without any hurdles. It is also to be mentioned here that in the recent past this year Troopers of the 30th battalion of Assam Rifles have arrested an alleged arms peddler from the Tripura-Mizoram border, based on specific intelligence information. An M16 rifle has been found from his possession.

Besides, during the his Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has a talk with the BSF officials here about the issue of fast completion of the border fencing with Bangladesh to stop smuggling, infiltration and the movement of militants.

Sarkar during the meeting with Singh held recently this month at Guwahati also said, “To meet the security challenges, the security apparatus at Integrated Check Posts have to be upgraded.”

At present there are 8 Immigration Check Posts along the border of Bangladesh in Tripura. Sarkar said, “This Check Posts would be equipped with modern equipments like baggage X-ray machines, etc.” Adding he also felt that there is a need to install CCTV cameras and all the ICPs should come under its surveillance.

Keeping this in view Sarkar had sought funds from the MoHA during the meeting at Guwahati.

With concerted efforts of both state and central government, there has been a steady improvement in commercial and cultural exchanges between Bangladesh and India.

Concepts like border haat have recently taken shape in Tripura which has added to socio-economic activities along border. Further with opening of proposed rail link between Akhaura and Bangladesh and also with onset of Bus service between Agartala-Dhaka-Kolkata more people to people exchanges would take place.

On June 07, 2015 Prime Minister Narendra Modi sealed a landmark agreement with Bangladesh to exchange tiny enclaves where thousands of people from both countries have been trapped for decades.

About 50,000 people have been living in miserable conditions in the more than 160 enclaves for decades. Now each country will administer the enclaves in its territory and their residents will be allowed to choose where they want to live. This will enable them to gain legal access to public services such as schools and hospitals for the first time.

The Indian side of the Indo-Bangladesh border passes through West Bengal (2216.7 Km), Assam (263 Km), Meghalaya (443 Km), Tripura (856 Km) and Mizoram (318 Km). The entire stretch consists of plain, river, and with hardly any natural obstacles. The area is heavily populated, and the cultivation is carried out till the last inch of the border.