“With 856 km border, the security challenges also exist in Tripura as the state is surrounded on almost all sides by Bangladesh,” the IG told the media, adding that one of the prime concerns right now is the safe return of Indian students studying there.
“Senior BSF Commanders are keeping a close watch on the prevailing border situation. Additional BSF forces were also deployed along the border to maintain the highest vigil. BSF troops are on high alert to deal with any situation that might arise due to the prevailing disturbances in our neighbouring country,” the IG said.
BSF is fully committed to securing the boundaries of the country in the bordering state of Tripura and fully prepared to deal with any challenges that the current situation might throw up, the IG further said.
It is estimated that nearly 8,000 Indian students are in Bangladesh, with the majority enrolled in medical colleges in Comilla, Brahmanbaria, and Dhaka. As of Saturday evening, 365 students from various Indian states have crossed into Tripura through four checkpoints, including the Integrated Check Posts in Agartala, West Tripura district, and Srimantapur, Sepahijala district. Das mentioned that the BSF has arranged for the students’ safe arrival at these checkpoints and ICPs, offering refreshments, food packets, transportation, and medical aid.
“I have given clear directions to my officers to personally supervise the arrival of these students through the check posts/ICPs so that no inconvenience is faced by them,” the BSF IG said.
He mentioned that the BSF is extremely grateful to the BGB for their assistance. Despite the challenging law and order situation and significant commitments, the BGB facilitated transportation and ensured safe passage to the Agartala border for approximately 36 students stranded at Brahmanbaria Medical College, which is located about 40 km from the Agartala border.
“This is a testimony to the cooperation and good relations that exist between BSF and BGB,” the IG said.
The BSF official said that they are expecting more students to cross over in the coming days and BSF is fully prepared to provide all assistance and ensure their safe return to home.
He said: “We are fully seized of the situation and have beefed up the security so that criminal elements from across the border don’t take advantage of the current situation.”
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in Delhi that around 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,500 students, reside in Bangladesh.
He said that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is monitoring the situation, while the High Commission in Dhaka will provide regular updates on the situation there.
Bangladesh has announced the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of military forces after police failed to quell days of deadly unrest that has spread throughout the country.
Violence erupted in the country after protests by students demanding reforms in the quota system for government jobs.
