GOLAKGANJ, July 19 � A flourishing Indo-Bangla border trade involving the smuggling of Bangladeshis into India is fast picking up. In fact this has become the source of livelihood for many who come into India through the porous Dhubri border.
The people who are involved in this trade are locally known as �dalals for Bangladeshis� and reportedly charge Rs 200 to Rs 500 per person to help people cross over into India. Police sources revealed that on July 4 and July 6 � Mankachar Police and Dhubri Police apprehended four Bangladeshi citizens from Khagrarchar and Dhubri main town. They also revealed that a �dalal� was involved in this racket. Citizens of Bangladesh, come to India mainly to work as labourers. Their entry points are South Salmara-Mankachar border road, Mantrirchar, Nilokhia and Newghat area.
The Indo-Bangla border in Dhubri is the main entry point for the foreigners. Despite the Border Security Force manning the Indo-Bangladesh border, illegal Bangladeshi immigrants are still entering into Assam through the North Bengal sector of the Indo-Bangla border, sources said. According to sources, the infiltrators now have been entering India through that sector since no border fencing has been put there so far and by taking that advantage, the infiltrators after entering into Bengal, move to Assam.
Their another advantage is that their language, appearance and culture are almost the same with that of people of many areas of the State. The sources said that the matrimonial relations between the people of both countries are common features in many border villages of Dhubri. They come illegally, marry an Indian girl here and return back to Bangladesh accompanied by the bride, the sources also revealed here.
On the other hand, the Assamese people in Assam-Bangladesh border areas in Dhubri district are in a state of insecurity due to frequent harassment by the trans-border anti-social elements. The frequent extortion, looting, encroachment, threats, killing and other harmful activities by the anti-social elements have hampered life of these people. The police and the administration remains neutral, people alleged.
