Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha revealed in a recent session of the state Assembly that a total of 3,518 foreign nationals, primarily Bangladeshi citizens, have been arrested in the state since 2022 for illegal entry. This announcement came in response to a calling attention notice put forward by Tipra Motha Party MLA Ranjit Debbarma.
Saha highlighted that the state government has implemented several measures to combat infiltration, particularly following political changes in neighboring Bangladesh. Special task forces (STFs) have been established in all eight districts to prevent illegal entry and monitor border-related crimes as per directives from the Centre.
“The STFs are not only focused on tackling infiltration but are also vigilant against potential terrorist activities, drug trafficking, fundamentalist groups, and other forms of international crime,” stated the chief minister. Additionally, a state-level task force under the leadership of a superintendent of police has been established to oversee border-related issues.
Providing a breakdown of arrests by year, Saha disclosed that 965 Bangladeshi nationals were detained in 2022, followed by 1,014 in 2023, 947 in 2024, and 390 up until August 31 of the current year. Out of the total arrests, 2,739 individuals have already been repatriated. “In 2022, 894 were deported, 696 in 2023, 676 in 2024, and 441 as of August 31, 2025,” he explained.
The chief minister acknowledged the challenges posed by incomplete barbed wire fencing along certain sections of the international border, attributing it to various constraints. Despite this, Saha emphasized that the state remains unwavering in its commitment to combat cross-border infiltration. He also stressed the government’s stringent measures against the use of counterfeit documents.
Tripura, which shares a 856-km-long border with Bangladesh, has grappled with issues of cross-border migration and the associated security risks for a long time. The state’s efforts to address these challenges have been ongoing, with a focus on enhancing border security and preventing illegal entry.
