The Assam Police Border Organisation has ramped up its efforts to tackle the growing issue of illegal immigration, particularly from across the international borders of Assam. Recent data reveals a concerning uptick in the number of illegal immigrants detected in the region, prompting the state authorities to adopt a more aggressive stance on border security and immigrant detection.
Since January 2024, the Assam Police Border Organisation has identified 54 Bangladeshi illegal immigrants. The majority of these detections occurred in the Karimganj district (48 cases), followed by Bongaigaon (4 cases), Haflong GRP (1 case), and Dhubri district (1 case). Out of these, 45 illegal immigrants have been successfully repatriated, while nine individuals were arrested in Karimganj. The increase in detections, particularly in the sensitive areas of Upper Assam and North Assam districts, has underscored the critical need for heightened vigilance, given the potential threat illegal immigration poses to national security.
To address this, the Assam Police Border Organisation has laid out a series of strategic measures to intensify efforts against illegal immigration. These measures aim to detect, deter, and repatriate illegal immigrants, while ensuring that Assam’s borders remain secure. Below is a detailed overview of the steps being taken:
Strengthening Border Surveillance
The Assam Police Border Organisation has significantly increased patrolling and surveillance in border areas under the jurisdiction of Border Outposts. This initiative aims to detect and prevent illegal border crossings, with security forces maintaining a round-the-clock vigil in the most vulnerable areas. Enhanced surveillance technology, such as drones and night-vision equipment, will also be deployed to cover larger stretches of the border effectively.
Coordination with Border Security Agencies
To strengthen border security, the Assam Police has enhanced its coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other central agencies. This collaboration facilitates seamless information sharing and joint operations between the police and BSF, ensuring a more unified approach to tackling cross-border threats. Monthly coordination meetings between the Director General of Police (DGP) Assam and the Director General of BSF have been mandated to maintain consistent communication and operational synergy.
Regular Intelligence Gathering
Efforts to detect illegal immigrants have been bolstered by improving intelligence-gathering mechanisms. The Assam Police is deploying trained personnel to gather actionable intelligence on cross-border networks and infiltration routes. These intelligence teams focus on identifying suspicious movements and illegal crossings, enabling timely interventions. Collaboration with local informants and village-level surveillance units has also been expanded to boost real-time intelligence.
Community Engagement and Awareness
Recognising the importance of community involvement, the Assam Police has launched awareness campaigns in border areas. Local residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or new settlers in their vicinity. This grassroots approach aims to foster a sense of collective responsibility in detecting illegal immigrants and supporting law enforcement efforts. The Border Organisation will also engage village defence parties (VDPs), Gaon Panchayat members, and Land Revenue staff to assist in monitoring new entrants.
Timely Legal Action and Foreigners Tribunals
All cases of detected illegal immigrants are swiftly documented and forwarded to Foreigners Tribunals for adjudication. The Assam Police has emphasised the importance of timely legal action to ensure that identified immigrants are either deported or detained as per judicial directives. Foreigners Tribunals are critical in expediting the legal processing of such cases, thereby preventing prolonged illegal stay in the state.
Deployment of Additional Forces in Border Districts
To further tighten security, the Assam Police Headquarters (APHQ) is working to deploy additional forces in the most vulnerable border districts. Ground-level assessments are conducted by district Superintendents of Police (SPs) to gauge the current security needs and to request reinforcement when necessary. These additional forces assist in maintaining law and order while focusing on detecting illegal immigrants in areas prone to high influx.
Strengthening Border Outposts and Documentation
Periodic verification of documents and identification records is a critical aspect of the intensified efforts. The Assam Police Border Organisation has increased checks in areas under the jurisdiction of Border Outposts. These checks are designed to identify individuals lacking valid identification or documentation. By conducting regular verification, the authorities aim to prevent illegal immigrants from slipping through the system undetected.
Enumeration of Suspected Illegal Immigrants
Field-level functionaries, including village defence parties and local government officials, are being activated to gather information on suspected illegal immigrants. Upon receiving credible reports, these individuals will be enumerated, and their documentation closely scrutinised. This initiative also includes tracking individuals involved in specific vocations that could indicate illegal status. Coordination with district administration and police is key to ensuring that the enumeration process is thorough and accurate.
Locating Absconding Individuals Declared as Foreigners
The Assam Police has initiated sustained efforts to locate and apprehend individuals who have absconded after being declared foreigners by Foreigners Tribunals or the Illegal Migrants Determination Tribunals. These individuals, having evaded the police, pose a significant challenge to law enforcement. A dedicated task force is being employed to track down and bring these individuals to justice.
Capturing Biometrics and Aadhaar Information
To build a comprehensive database, the Assam Police is capturing the biometrics of all suspected illegal immigrants. Additionally, the police are recording Aadhaar numbers, PAN cards, voter IDs, and passport details of these individuals for future reference. This initiative helps in creating a robust identification system to track and manage the movement of suspected individuals more effectively.
Enforcement of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)
The Assam Police has also reiterated the enforcement of provisions under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). All concerned Border Wing personnel have been instructed to ensure that these provisions are strictly followed, in accordance with state government directives. This enforcement forms a key part of the broader effort to manage illegal immigration in the state.
