Odisha has heightened its coastal vigilance along its 480-kilometer coastline in response to concerns about potential influx from neighboring Bangladesh, a senior police official disclosed.
Sanjay Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), stated, “Individuals from Bangladesh have previously entered Odisha illegally using small boats. With the recent unrest in Bangladesh, many criminals have been released, raising concerns they may attempt to cross into India.”
“Our top priority is to prevent such entries,” Kumar emphasized while addressing heightened security concerns amidst political turmoil in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that the top state government official elaborated over series of coordinated efforts taken by the state government to curb illegal influx.
Coordinated Efforts with Coast Guard and Navy
Primarily, Kumar highlighted the state’s coordinated efforts with the Coast Guard and Navy to thwart illegal influx. He said, “We are vigilant against any activities that could harm India-Bangladesh relations. Monitoring of social media and other channels continues to provide crucial intelligence.”
Enhanced Patrols and Monitoring
Further, he affirmed that Superintendents of police in coastal districts, particularly Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak, have been instructed to intensify nighttime patrolling to deter illegal immigration. Local authorities, including revenue inspectors and forest officials, are actively monitoring coastal villages for any suspicious activities.
Stakeholders’ Meeting
Moreover, in response to the crisis, the Odisha’s Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has recently convened a meeting with stakeholders to strategize further actions related to the incident.
By increasing the intensity of sea border patrolling in India, authorities aim to thwart any potential illegal influx from Bangladesh and ensure the safety and security of the coastal region. The collaborative efforts with the Coast Guard and Navy, along with enhanced patrols and monitoring, demonstrate the proactive approach taken by Odisha to address security concerns effectively.
As the situation unfolds, Odisha remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding its borders and preventing any unauthorized entries that may jeopardize the peace and stability of the region. The stakeholders’ meeting underscores the importance of strategic planning and coordination in handling such critical issues to maintain the integrity of sea borders.
