Rohingya a security threat, we want to push them back: MEA official in Tripura

Ankan Banerjee, a Joint Secretary in the MEA, highlighted the security threat posed by illegal immigration of Rohingya into Tripura and other northeastern states.

Staff Reporter

Jul 30, 2024, 02:42 AM2 min read

Rohingya a security threat, we want to push them back: MEA official in Tripura

Tripura police arrest 7 Rohingyas, including 2 children for allegedly entering India from Bangladesh without valid documents and intending to board a bus to travel to different cities, at Churaibari Village in Tripura on July 26, 2024

Tripura hosted its inaugural Videsh Sampark event on Monday, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the state government. During the event, central and state officials addressed key issues such as passport services, trade and investment opportunities, and emigration.

Ankan Banerjee, a Joint Secretary in the MEA, highlighted the security threat posed by illegal immigration of Rohingya into Tripura and other northeastern states. "Infiltration by the Rohingya is a serious security concern. We aim to push them back as they pose a significant threat. They are present in various parts of the country including Haryana, Jammu, and Hyderabad," Banerjee stated.

Banerjee emphasized the central government's efforts to curb this infiltration. "Preventing infiltration is a continuous effort involving our security forces and the Border Security Force (BSF). Despite the challenges posed by the large border, we are committed to strengthening our measures," he explained.

Addressing recent increases in infiltration, P K Chakravarty, Secretary in the Home Department, mentioned ongoing discussions between the state government and the BSF. "The objective of Videsh Sampark is to align the state government's efforts with the MEA's programs and schemes, focusing on migration, mobility, and trade opportunities," Chakravarty said.

Banerjee further discussed the program's aim to foster cooperation between state and central governments, enhancing the delivery of government services. He also suggested the creation of a digital platform for sharing information on prisoners in foreign countries to address labor issues abroad effectively.

A ministry official noted the significance of the meeting, considering Tripura's 856-km border with Bangladesh. "Recently, there has been an influx of students from Bangladesh into Tripura due to unrest there," the official said.

The Videsh Sampark initiative, launched in 2017, aims to strengthen the MEA's outreach to state governments. Similar events have been held in Telangana, Kerala, and Bihar, focusing on addressing local issues and enhancing opportunities for the Indian diaspora.

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