Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said the northeastern state, which is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides, is now witnessing exfiltration instead of infiltration from across the international border.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended 57 illegal Rohingya immigrants, 628 Bangladesh nationals and 280 Indians in various operations in 2024, according to an official statement.
“There is no infiltration from across the border. Instead, the state is now witnessing exfiltration… The BSF has been asked to send the infiltrators back after consultation with Border Guards Bangladesh and in compliance with legal procedures,” he told reporters on Monday night.
Asserting that the Centre has taken a firm stand against infiltration, he said guarding the international border in the state is challenging because of its geographical location.
The northeastern state, which shares an 856-km international border, is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides.
“Due to difficult terrains and riverine topography, barbed wire fences could not be erected in some stretches. Despite the challenging situation, the BSF has been doing its best job to guard the international border,” he said.
On reports of exfiltration due to Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in a few states, the chief minister said many people who used to live in the country with fake documents are now leaving.
“Those living in the country with fake documents will have to leave. SIR is going to make an impact in West Bengal after Bihar,” he said.
When asked about when SIR will be conducted in Tripura, Saha said, “The Centre has made it clear that illegal foreigners will not be allowed to stay and participate in elections here. If New Delhi wants, SIR will be conducted in our state. The presence of illegal foreigners poses a threat to national security.”
On the Opposition’s criticism of SIR, Saha said, “Infiltration was a political feed to them, but the exercise is being undertaken to ensure only genuine Indians participate in elections.”
Centre sanctioned Rs 140 cr to set up Ayurveda medical college: CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday said the Centre has sanctioned Rs 140 crore for setting up an Ayurveda medical college and homeopathy medical college in the state.
At present, the northeastern state has three medical colleges, including the Agartala Government Medical College.
“The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has sanctioned Rs 140 cr for establishing Ayurveda Medical College and Homoeopathy Medical College in Tripura,” Saha said in a Facebook post.
A high-level meeting was held to finalise the roadmap and initiate steps to start the colleges from the next academic session, the CM said.
“Grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda ji, and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shri Prataprao Yadav ji, for significant support to strengthen healthcare and education in the northeastern state,” Saha added.