Despite fencing and BSF patrols, Meghalaya’s porous border with Bangladesh remains a major vulnerability. Recent viral footage showing illegal crossings near Gillagora has sparked outrage, prompting demands for stricter surveillance and immediate government intervention.
BY PC Bureau
The threat of cross-border infiltration is not limited to strife-torn Manipur alone; it looms over the entire Northeast, which has been grappling with its repercussions ever since the political upheaval in Bangladesh in August last year.
Meghalaya, for instance, has seen a persistent surge in infiltration attempts by Bangladeshi nationals. Security agencies are struggling to curb illegal crossings, with at least 18 Bangladeshi infiltrators apprehended this month alone.
The latest development raising concerns comes from the border village of Gillagora in South West Khasi Hills, where a viral video captured at least eight individuals, allegedly from Bangladesh, crossing into Indian territory. The footage, recorded by a local resident, has sparked widespread alarm among villagers and authorities alike.
In a series of ops, vigilant troops of the #BSF #Tripura have successfully foiled attempts of infiltration/ exfiltration along the #IndoBangladeshBorder, apprehended 01 Indian tout & 03 #Bangladeshi national with Indian currency ₹1000/- .#JaiHind#AlertBSF pic.twitter.com/3ZhIQ8ix4h
— BSF TRIPURA (@BSF_Tripura) January 20, 2025
Following this revelation, the Garo Omniscience for Ethnic Renaissance and Awakening (GOERA), Nongalbibra unit, has written to Meghalaya’s Home Minister, highlighting the security lapse. GOERA’s letter pointed to the viral video and recent arrests of Bangladeshi migrants by Meghalaya Police, calling for immediate corrective measures.
8 Bangladeshi infiltrators apprehended by Meghalaya Police at Hallidayganj in WGH – The Shillong Times pic.twitter.com/pKhjvwL58u
— Theshillongtimes (@STnews1945) January 24, 2025
The organization has strongly criticized the Border Security Force (BSF) for its apparent negligence in securing the porous border. It has demanded an increase in BSF personnel along the India-Bangladesh border, particularly in Gillagora, along with the installation of advanced surveillance equipment, including CCTV cameras and monitoring systems. Additionally, GOERA has urged the immediate arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants and a thorough investigation into any BSF personnel found guilty of dereliction of duty.
A Disturbing National Security Risk
The infiltration issue has taken a more serious turn following Mumbai Police’s revelation that the alleged attacker of actor Saif Ali Khan is a Bangladeshi national who entered India through Dawki in Meghalaya. Authorities fear that such cases may not be isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern of infiltration with possible criminal or extremist links.
Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma have voiced concern over the continued infiltration attempts despite security measures. .
Of the 443 km of Meghalaya’s border with Bangladesh, 375 km has been fenced, but the remaining 60 km remains unguarded, leaving several vulnerable points open to infiltration. According to official data, the pending fencing work includes:
- 3.5 km in East Jaintia Hills
- 35.9 km in West Jaintia Hills
- 7.19 km in South Garo Hills
- 14.15 km in East Khasi Hills
- 3.5 km in South West Khasi Hills
Despite barbed wire fencing and BSF patrolling, the increased infiltration attempts highlight the porosity of the border, raising concerns in Meghalaya, a predominantly tribal state.
Recent Infiltration Cases Across the Northeast
The ongoing security crisis in Meghalaya is part of a larger trend across the northeastern states. Several recent cases highlight the growing infiltration problem:
Tripura:
- On January 24, 2025, a joint operation by the Sabroom Police and BSF led to the arrest of five Bangladeshi nationals, including two children, in Magrum ADC Village. (Source: Northeast Today)
Assam:
- December 2024: Six Bangladeshi nationals detained and repatriated. (Source: Northeast Today)
- December 17, 2024: Bangladeshi national Asma Akther arrested near the border and deported. (Source: The New Indian Express)
- November 29, 2024: Eight Bangladeshi nationals caught crossing into India under cover of darkness and sent back. (Source: Sentinel Assam)
- January 12, 2025: Four Bangladeshi nationals (Fatema Khatun, Sura Khatun, Md. Solaiman, Md. Yasin) arrested and deported. (Source: Northeast Live)
Agartala Railway Station (Tripura):
- August 1 – December 24, 2024: 100 Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingya migrants detained. 28 Indian touts arrested for facilitating illegal crossings. (Source: Assam Tribune)
Conclusion
The persistent infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into Meghalaya and other northeastern states underscores a pressing national security issue. The viral video from Gillagora and recent criminal cases highlight the urgency for enhanced border security measures, stricter enforcement by BSF, and immediate government intervention. Meghalaya, along with other affected states, demands comprehensive policies to tackle illegal immigration before the situation spirals further out of control.
