Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday that there would be no influx of immigrants from Bangladesh into the northeastern states of India amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh.

The assurance came during a meeting between Shah and Sangma, who, along with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, discussed border security concerns related to the India-Bangladesh border.

Sangma, addressing the media in a video statement, revealed that Shah assured him of robust measures to prevent any unauthorized entry from Bangladesh. Shah also committed to considering additional security enhancements along the India-Bangladesh border, potentially involving the deployment of more security forces.

“The Home Minister has assured that no individuals from Bangladesh will be allowed to enter northeastern states. We discussed the current situation extensively, and I highlighted the need for even tighter security measures. The Home Minister agreed to look into this matter further,” Sangma said.

The Indian government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the country’s borders and ensuring national security.

Shah’s assurances come as a response to concerns over the political instability in Bangladesh, which has raised fears of potential spillover effects into India’s northeastern states.

Meghalaya, which shares a 443-kilometer border with Bangladesh, has already taken proactive measures to address these concerns.

On August 5, the state government imposed a night curfew along this stretch of the border as part of its efforts to control cross-border movements and maintain security. The Meghalaya police have been placed on high alert to monitor the situation closely.

The broader India-Bangladesh border spans approximately 4,096 kilometers, with significant stretches in various northeastern states: West Bengal (2,217 km), Assam (262 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Tripura (856 km).

In response to the situation, states like Assam, Mizoram, and Tripura have called upon the Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, and local police to intensify their vigilance along their respective borders with Bangladesh.

Sangma also praised the ongoing efforts of the Army and BSF in maintaining security and ensuring strict surveillance along the border. He emphasized that these efforts are crucial in preventing any potential disruptions arising from the crisis in Bangladesh.

As the situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, the Indian government and northeastern states are focused on reinforcing border security to safeguard against any possible cross-border issues, ensuring peace and stability in the region.