Dhubri: The unfenced India-Bangladesh border has become a haven for cattle smugglers and infiltrators, with government reports suggesting over 10,746 infiltration bids since 2014.
According to reports, 62 cases of infiltration were reported in Assam's Dhubri district in 2019 and three 'illegal' immigrants were arrested for the same.
Meanwhile, in South Salmara district of the state over 40 cases have been registered and 1109 smuggled cows were seized.
Even though the border guarding forces conduct regular patrolling along the border by undertaking anti-tunnelling exercise, 76 people were held for smuggling in 2019 alone.
The security of this area is looked after by 6th BN Border Security Forces (BSF) and the border patrolling is after by 178 BN BSF.
Citing multiple reports, the riverine area has witnessed suspected movements of cattle smugglers from both sides.
High-intensity torch lights, advanced electronic surveillance system are being used along the 61-km stretch of India- Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam.
Under the aegis of the Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS), the Union government plans to equip all unfenced areas with sensors, intrusion-detection system and night surveillance cameras.
These gadgets might help BSF and paramilitary forces tackle the intrusion and cross-border crimes however, fencing of the 353 km border is yet to be completed, the deadline for the same being December 2020.
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