Amid escalating political unrest in Bangladesh, Assam’s Director General of Police (DGP) GP Singh announced that only Indian passport holders will be allowed to enter the state through designated entry points from the troubled neighboring country.
“From our side, the direction is very clear that we will not allow anyone to enter the state. Many students from Assam and other parts of the country are studying in Bangladesh. Last month, 78 students, including 60 from Assam, returned from Bangladesh. We will only allow Indian passport holders to enter Assam while we will not allow others to enter the state,” DGP Singh stated.
He detailed the state’s preparations, saying, “We have been regularly monitoring the situation for the last three days. When the developments arose in Bangladesh, we immediately held a video conference with all SPs, senior BSF officials, and the Union Home Secretary. In Assam, four districts—Cachar, Karimganj, Dhubri, and South Salmara—share a border with Bangladesh. Along with BSF, Assam police are ready as the second line of defense and have conducted joint patrolling in many places.”
DGP Singh emphasized that legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to enter illegally. “Our border is now in a strong position,” he asserted.
Ahead of Independence Day on August 15, DGP Singh conducted a security review meeting in Tinsukia district. He highlighted the presence of a ULFA-I group near the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border and the steps being taken to neutralize this threat. “Police, CAPF, Army, and all intelligence agencies have been briefed. Assam is now in a peaceful state. I appeal to the ULFA-I not to disrupt the peace. If there are grievances, they should talk with the government. We are on alert,” he added.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma also stressed the importance of border security. “The government of India has instructed the state government to secure the Indo-Bangladesh border completely so that no one can enter the country without valid passports and visas. The Assam government is maintaining a strict vigil, and as of now, no one has entered our country except those with genuine documents,” he said.
The turmoil in Bangladesh escalated after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 amid widespread protests. Following her resignation, President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the parliament to form an interim administration. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of this interim government.
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