Silchar/Sribhumi, Assam: Amid escalating political instability and security concerns in neighboring Bangladesh, the Indian security forces have declared a High Alert along the international border in Assam’s Barak Valley. In a decisive move to secure the frontier, the district administrations of Cachar and Sribhumi (formerly Karimganj) have officially imposed a strict night curfew along the border belt.
Strict Movement Restrictions and Night Curfew
The Cachar District Magistrate, Mridul Yadav (IAS), acting under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), issued an order prohibiting all civilian movement within a 1-km radius of the India-Bangladesh border from sunset to sunrise.
Key restrictions include:
- Riverine Vigilance: A total ban on boat movement and fishing in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers during night hours. Local fishermen require special permission from the Katigorah Circle Officer for daylight activities.
- Logistics Curb: The transportation of essential commodities—including rice, sugar, salt, and edible oil—is prohibited within 5 km of the border during the night to prevent illegal smuggling.
- Timeline: These orders are set to remain in effect for at least two months to ensure public order and national security.
Military Reinforcement and Surveillance
Following the “High Alert” status, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been bolstered by additional army deployments. Security is being managed with cutting-edge technology:
- Thermal Imaging: 24/7 monitoring of sensitive points using thermal cameras.
- Drone Patrols: Night-vision-equipped drones are surveying the riverine gaps and unfenced stretches.
- Senior Oversight: Top officials from the Army’s Eastern Command have reviewed the preparedness in southern Tripura and are expected to inspect Assam’s border outposts shortly.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s Stern Warning
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has expressed grave concern over the current climate. Responding to provocative statements from certain quarters in Bangladesh regarding India’s Northeast, the CM asserted that India would not remain a silent spectator to any threats against its territorial integrity.
“India is a nuclear power and a growing global economy. Any attempt to incite unrest in the Northeast will be met with a firm response,” the Chief Minister stated, urging the BSF and Army to maintain the highest state of readiness.
Current Border Situation at a Glance
- Zone of Curfew: Restricted movement within 1 km of the International Border from sunset to sunrise.
- Restricted Items: Transportation of essential goods (Sugar, Rice, Edible Oil, Salt, etc.) prohibited within 5 km of the border at night.
- River Patrols: Active and intensified surveillance on the Surma and Kushiyara rivers.
- Trade Status: Cargo movement and trade operations currently limited at Sutarkandi and Mahishasan checkposts.
The administration has urged residents in border villages to remain vigilant but calm, assuring them that the situation is under total control.
