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The Indo-Bangladesh border, one of India’s longest international boundaries, is under increasing strain as geopolitical instability in Bangladesh escalates. The porous frontier, spanning over 4,000 kilometers, has always been a challenge for Indian authorities. However, the recent deployment of advanced drones by Bangladesh and the looming post-Sheikh Hasina scenario have heightened security concerns for India.
India Today team embarked on a week-long investigation along this border to uncover the vulnerabilities and their implications for national security.
Stretching across riverine terrains, dense forests, and remote villages, the Indo-Bangladesh border is a complex expanse to secure. Despite years of effort, vast stretches remain unfenced, leaving these areas alarmingly open to infiltration and smuggling activities. Particularly concerning is the situation in North Bengal, where rivers change course, shifting boundaries frequently, and making fencing impractical. This creates easy access points for infiltrators and smugglers.
The long and porous Indo-Bangladesh border:
- Total border length: 4,096 kilometers
- Border in West Bengal: 2,217 kilometers
- Unfenced areas in West Bengal: 963 kilometers
- Cooch Behar’s unfenced border: 50 kilometers
- Natural barriers: Rivers like Dharla act as boundaries in Cooch Behar
- Shifting river course: Prevents effective fencing and creates new vulnerabilities
- River Islands: Used as hideouts, transit points for illegal activities
- Unfenced areas: Widely exploited for smuggling cattle, contraband, and counterfeit currency
India Today’s team analysed public domain footage of past infiltration incidents and identified Cooch Behar as a hotspot for illegal activity. Known for its difficult terrain and riverine stretches, the district has been a focal point for infiltration and smuggling operations.
On the ground, the investigation revealed glaring lapses in security. In one instance, a local tout demonstrated how people could cross into Bangladesh by walking through unsecured stretches under the cover of darkness. These individuals, after spending a brief time in the border Indian villages, casually returned to Bangladesh.
Adding to the problem is the thin deployment of security personnel. Sources in the Border Security Force (BSF) revealed that election season had stretched their resources, leaving only skeletal forces to monitor remote areas. This lack of manpower has emboldened infiltrators and smugglers, who exploit the terrain and timing to avoid detection.
Behind these crossings lies a well-organised network of touts and traffickers. These agents, operating with impunity, revealed to India Today how they bribe their way through the system and exploit the porous terrain. By timing crossings to avoid BSF patrols and leveraging natural barriers like rivers, they criss-cross the border with alarming ease.
The security implications are severe. Infiltration attempts along the North Bengal frontier have increased, with smugglers exploiting gaps in defenses. Intelligence reports have also highlighted concerns over the potential entry of extremist elements into India, especially in light of the political instability in Bangladesh.
The post-Sheikh Hasina scenario presents a particularly troubling prospect. With Bangladesh potentially facing rising terrorist threats and internal chaos, the risk of cross-border movements by extremist groups has grown. Reports of advanced drones being deployed on the Bangladeshi side further complicate the situation, posing surveillance challenges for Indian forces.
While the Indian government has made strides in strengthening border infrastructure, the sheer length and complexity of the border require more robust measures. Advanced technologies, such as drones, sensors, and thermal imaging, need to be deployed extensively. Furthermore, a consistent presence of security personnel, even during election seasons, is crucial to maintaining surveillance over remote areas.
Cracking down on the trafficking and smuggling networks is equally essential. Regular operations to dismantle these well-oiled systems will go a long way in addressing the vulnerabilities.
The Indo-Bangladesh border is not just a geographical boundary; it is a frontline of India’s national security. As political instability in the region grows, so do the challenges for the forces tasked with securing this vast and porous frontier. India Today’s investigation serves as a wake-up call for urgent action to safeguard the eastern border before it becomes a gateway for larger threats.
