CM urges security forces to keep strong vigil along Bangladesh border

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday requested security agencies to intensify vigil in the entire stretch of Indo-Bangla border due to the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh plunged into uncertainty after massive street protests over job quota forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to quit after the Army coup and fled from the country.

Chief Minister Dr Saha speaking with media persons at State load dispatch center, 79 Tilla Power station in, Agartala Tuesday said he was in constant touch with Delhi and held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, senior officials of Assam Rifles, and BSF on Monday to discuss the situation.

"We are keeping a close eye on the situation in Bangladesh. I have been in touch with Delhi constantly. I held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, DGP, Assam Rifles and BSF. I asked them to intensify vigil along the border. We will take steps based on instructions from Delhi", said Dr Saha.

Dr Saha also emphasized the importance of coordination among security forces and instructed them to prevent any cross border activities from Bangladesh into Tripura. He added that the security forces and all agencies were strictly instructed not to allow anyone to enter India territory without valid documents.

So far no specific direction from New Delhi and government will implement as per the direction from centre, said Dr Saha and added that Delhi wanted to know if there is any problem in the state in the aftermath of political turmoil in Bangladesh and government informed the centre that there is no problem across Tripura border after unrest in Bangladesh.

On attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, Dr Saha said his government was keeping close watch on the development in the neighbouring country.

"Social media reports indicate that the majority community in Bangladesh is taking steps to protect minority groups. For instance, some students have been seen guarding temples. It's a good sign," said Dr Saha.