GOLAKGANJ, June 21 � Despite the presence of the Border Security Force (BSF), which has been manning the Indo-Bangladesh border, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants have still been entering the State through the North Bengal sector of the porous border.
According to sources, the infiltrators are now entering India through that sector since no border fencing has been installed there so far. Taking advantage of this, the infiltrators, after entering Bengal, move to Assam. Another advantage is that their language, appearance and culture are almost similar to that of the people in many parts of North Bengal. Further, many local people allegedly identify the foreigners as their sons, brothers or cousins, besides offering them hospitality.
Sources said that matrimonial relations between the people of both the countries are common in many char areas of Dhubri. They come illegally, marry Indian girls and return to Bangladesh along with the brides.
On the other hand, the Assamese people along the Assam-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district are in a state of insecurity due to frequent harassment by anti-social elements from across the border. Though the BSF has been deputed as a neutral force in the sensitive border area, the Assamese people living in the area have been feeling unsafe.
The sources said Bangladeshi dacoits are looting Assamese households, trying to create a fear psychosis among the Assamese. The frequent extortions, looting, encroachment, threats, killing and other activities by anti-social elements have affected the normal life of the local people. The BSF has remained ineffective, the border residents alleged.
