Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday, July 30, that authorities have successfully prevented 18 foreign nationals from entering Indian territory as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal infiltration. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government remains committed to safeguarding Assam’s security and demographic interests. CM Sarma stated that the state administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal entry, with round-the-clock surveillance along the international border.
He added that stringent action has been taken against the 18 foreign nationals who were stopped from entering the country, although he did not disclose their nationality or provide further operational details. The latest development comes amid heightened vigilance along Assam’s international border, where security agencies have intensified monitoring to curb cross-border infiltration and other illegal activities. Assam shares a 267.5-km international border with Bangladesh across the districts of Sribhumi, Cachar, Dhubri and South Salmara-Mankachar, making it a key transit point for cross-border movement and prompting authorities to maintain strict surveillance along vulnerable stretches.
The state is home to several Integrated Check Posts, including the one at Sutarkandi in Sribhumi district, which is one of the three ICPs located along the India-Bangladesh border in the Northeast, with the other two ICPs situated at Dawki in Meghalaya and Akhaura in Tripura. Additionally, Assam has another Integrated Check Post at Darranga along the India-Bhutan border. Assam Police have been working closely with the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent unauthorized entry while ensuring that Indian citizens stranded in Bangladesh can return through designated and authorized entry points.
The Assam government has repeatedly emphasized that preventing illegal infiltration remains one of its top priorities, with security agencies continuing surveillance and enforcement measures along the state’s international borders. The government’s efforts to strengthen border security have been ongoing, particularly since political unrest erupted in Bangladesh in 2024, leading to concerns over possible illegal crossings into India.
