Assam: Two Bangladeshi nationals apprehended near border, sent back

Two Bangladeshi nationals including one woman was apprehended near the Indo-Bangladesh border on Wednesday, December 11. However the exact details about the entry route or sector were not disclosed. 

In a statement on X, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the vigilance along the international border, which led to the swift action. "In yet another successful operation of nabbing illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, two Bangladeshis were apprehended near the International border and pushed back across the border by @assampolice Simu Begum, Md. Ujjal Good job team!

The incident comes amid rising tensions following recent reports of religious persecution in Bangladesh. Earlier this month, the Sribhumi District Hotel Association imposed a temporary ban on Bangladeshi nationals staying in local hotels, citing concerns over minority harassment in the neighbouring country.  

The ban gained momentum after the arrest of ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu in Bangladesh, which intensified calls for action. The All Tripura Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association has also joined the protest, halting services for Bangladeshi citizens until conditions improve.  

The associations emphasised that the measures are temporary and aimed at drawing attention to the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh. While reaffirming India’s commitment to secular values, the groups condemned the ongoing violence as "alarming and unacceptable."

Also read: Assam: ATTSA issues 30-day ultimatum for repair of Dirok-Deomali road, warns of indefinite blockade