Bangladesh crisis: 4 states in NE scale up security along borders, Bihar remains on alert

The CM said he has been in constant touch with the Centre. “We will act according to instructions from Delhi.”

Security arrangements outside the Bangladesh High Commission, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh's Prime Minister after pressure from protesters who have been agitating over a special job quota bill in the country. Photo | PTI

GUWAHATI/PATNA: As the civil unrest in Bangladesh continues, Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and Meghalaya have heightened security along the international border. Bihar has also issued an alert in the districts situated close to the Bangladesh border.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Tuesday, “I spoke to the chief secretary, DGP and senior officials of the BSF, Assam Rifles and others. I asked them to maintain a close watch on the border.” The CM said he has been in constant touch with the Centre. “We will act according to instructions from Delhi.”

Asked about reported stray incidents of attacks on the houses of Hindus in Bangladesh, he said, “I saw it on social media that people from the majority community there are preventing these incidents and giving protection.”

Meanwhile, Meghalaya has imposed night curfew along its border with Bangladesh. Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong said, “The 6 pm-6 am curfew will remain in force until the situation in Bangladesh improves.” The Assam government issued a high alert in four districts. The BSF’s Guwahati frontier also issued high alert to address potential security threats.

“Commanders have been directed to maintain utmost vigilance and readiness to handle any unforeseen circumstances,” BSF said in a statement. The Mizoram government instructed police to prevent illegal border crossings. An alert has been sounded in bordering districts of Bihar in the wake of recent political upheaval in neighbouring Bangladesh, a senior police officer said.

Bihar ADG (headquarters) Jitendra Singh Gangwar said, “SPs of the bordering districts have been asked to keep a vigil on the border in coordination with the central armed police force and central paramilitary forces.” Although boundary of none of Bihar districts is directly connected with Bangladesh, its porous border with Nepal is considered vulnerable for infiltration.

Kishanganj district in north Bihar is close to Bangladesh border. However, districts situated in Seemanchal region -- Purnea, Kishanganj, Katihar and Araria -- are vulnerable to infiltrations from Nepal side.