Assam CM backs PM Modi's efforts to secure state borders amid infiltration concerns

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also serves as the BJP’s co-incharge for the upcoming state elections in Jharkhand, reiterated his confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to securing India’s borders. 

Sarma said, “Assam borders will be protected by Narendra Modi, and so will Jharkhand's borders.” 

Speaking to reporters, Sarma criticized the Jharkhand government, alleging its failure to acknowledge infiltration concerns and claiming that the administration dismisses these security issues even in the state’s High Court. “There is continuous infiltration in Jharkhand,” he said, “but the state government says otherwise in the HC".

Earlier, on October 27, Sarma addressed similar concerns in Assam, highlighting the state’s ongoing battle against infiltration from Bangladesh. During a press briefing in Dispur, he stated that Assam has intercepted over 130 individuals, primarily identified as Rohingya Muslims, who had attempted to cross the state’s border over the past two months. “We’re observing daily detections, often of individuals or groups trying to cross into Assam. Despite the BSF’s extensive efforts to secure the boundary, the porous nature of the border still allows some entries,” he remarked.

Sarma said that the vast majority of those intercepted are Muslim Rohingyas rather than Hindu Bengalis, challenging the common belief that rising instability in Bangladesh would drive Hindu Bengalis into India. “Our recent data shows that Hindu Bengalis are not the ones crossing; rather, it’s mostly Muslim Rohingyas who are attempting entry,” Sarma stated. He also highlighted Assam’s collaboration with neighboring states like Tripura, Meghalaya, and West Bengal, calling for a unified approach to curb illegal immigration. “If West Bengal intensifies its efforts, it would help create a cohesive security network,” he asserted.

On August 24, Sarma pointed out that Hindu residents of Bangladesh have not shown signs of mass migration despite tensions, affirming that “Hindus are staying and fighting in Bangladesh.” He revealed that not a single Hindu person has attempted to cross into Assam in recent months, contrary to popular narratives. Instead, he noted, a portion of those crossing from Bangladesh are seeking employment opportunities within India’s textile sector, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

“In the past month alone, we have apprehended 35 Muslim infiltrators who were headed to places like Bangalore, Tamil Nadu, and Coimbatore to work in the textile industry,” Sarma said, reiterating his administration’s vigilance over border activities. He also disclosed his appeal to Prime Minister Modi to urge the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of its Hindu population, thereby reducing their need to migrate.