MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI I.D. SWAMI)
(a) to (d): A Statement is annexed.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 65 DATED 18.2.2003 RAISED BY SHRI SUBODH RAY: SHRI M.K. SUBBA REGARDING `INFILTRATION FROM N.E. BORDER`.
(a) & (b): There have been reports that nationals of some of the neighboring countries bordering North Eastern States managed to enter illegally into the territory of India. The porous border also provides easy access, safe routes for infiltration/exfiltration to the North Eastern militants for their trans-border movements for conducting subversive activities. It is difficult to speak in terms of any precise numbers, because such illegal infiltrators enter India surreptitiously and mix with the local population due to their ethnic, linguistic similarities.
(c) & (d): Some North Eastern State Governments have asked for deployment of more security forces in the region. The deployment of these forces depends upon the security scenario prevailing in different parts of the country and availability of these forces. Keeping in view these constraints, Central Paramilitary Forces, to the extent possible, are deployed in NE States.
With a view to prevent infiltration of Bangladeshi National into India and in pursuance of the Assam Accord, a Project (Phase-I) for construction of roads and fence along the India-Bangladesh border in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal has been taken up since 1987. These works have almost been completed.
The Central Government has also approved a sum of Rs. 1334 crore for construction of additional roads and fencing along the remaining portion of India-Bangladesh border under Phase-II. This involves fencing of 2429.5 KMs and road network of 797 KMs. These works are proposed to be completed by December 2007. With the completion of this work the entire area on India-Bangladesh border where fencing is feasible, would be fenced.
State-wise details of the lengths of fencing approved and constructed along the Indo-Bangladesh border is as follows:
(Figures in kms.)
NAME OF STATES FENCING SANCTIONED PROGRESS AS ON DATE
West Bengal 1528.00 662.42
Assam 223.81 149.29
Meghalaya 399.06 205.36
Tripura 736.00 9.53
Mizoram 400.00 -
Total 3286.87 1026.60
A series of measures have also been taken by the Government to curb the problem of infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into India. These include raising of additional battalions of Border Security Force, reduction of gaps between the border outposts, intensification of patrolling both on the land and the riverine border, accelerated programme of construction of border road, and fencing, increase in the number of outpost towers, provision of surveillance equipment`s etc. The matter has also been taken up with the Government of Bangladesh on various occasions. The progress of these measures is reviewed regularly at various levels. State Governments and Union Territory Administrations have also been directed to enforce the provisions of the Foreigners Act, 1946 (The Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act, 1983 in case of Assam) strictly.
