Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Saturday that state police successfully pushed back nine Bangladeshi nationals, including eight children, across the border in the early morning hours.

“Taking a firm stance against infiltration, Assam Police pushed back nine Bangladeshis and eight children across the border today,” Sarma posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Earlier, on September 5, authorities had apprehended five Bangladeshi individuals attempting to illegally enter the Karimganj district of Assam. The Chief Minister noted that at 12:40 AM, the Assam Police had successfully identified and repelled the Bangladeshi nationals trying to cross the border.

In light of recent political instability in Bangladesh, particularly following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Border Security Force (BSF) has increased its vigilance along the India-Bangladesh border. The Assam Police have also heightened their alertness to prevent any illegal entry into the state.

With the Central Government firmly opposing the admission of refugees amidst the unrest in Bangladesh, the BSF, which oversees a 92-kilometer stretch of the border in Assam’s Karimganj district, has escalated its operations. Security measures have been enhanced not only by the BSF but also by Assam Police, serving as a secondary line of defense.

The 16 Battalion of the BSF has intensified its round-the-clock monitoring, including increased night patrols. Additionally, the Sutarkandi land port, which facilitates trade between India and Bangladesh, has been temporarily closed as part of these security measures.