Odisha’s Major Move Against Infiltration: Government Initiates Identification Process for Bangladeshi Nationals

The Odisha government has launched a comprehensive process to identify Bangladeshi infiltrators throughout the state. All District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have received directives emphasizing the importance of this mission.

Formation of Special Teams

According to the government’s directives, officials at the tahsil, block, and police station levels will form special teams for this task. These teams will concentrate on areas such as Kendrapara, Bhubaneswar, Puri, and others where infiltrators are believed to be present.

High Infiltrator Numbers in Specific Districts

According to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, by 2021, approximately 3,740 Bangladeshi infiltrators will be illegally residing in various districts of Odisha. The districts with the highest numbers are Kendrapara (1,649 infiltrators), Jagatsinghpur (111), Malkangiri (655), Bhadrak (199), and Nabarangpur (106). However, the government has not yet seen a significant increase in criminal activity attributed to these infiltrators.

Enhanced Coastal Vigilance

To combat illegal infiltration, the state has established 18 coastal police stations, each with modern surveillance and patrolling equipment. All coastal police stations are equipped with night vision devices, digital cameras, LED searchlights, and other equipment to conduct regular patrols along the sea borders.

Central Government Support

Under the Coastal Security Scheme, the Central Government provided Odisha with 15 fast interceptor boats for patrolling. These include ten 12-ton boats and five 5-ton boats, which ensure effective coastal monitoring.

Collaboration with Local Communities

The State Intelligence Department is also working with local fishing and trawler associations to gather information about infiltrators. This collaboration aims to maintain a robust network of intelligence gathering along the coast.

Ongoing Efforts

The government is also gathering information on Odia families who are still in Bangladesh, particularly those affected by the civil war, in order to ensure their safe return to India. Furthermore, MLAs Bhaskar Madhei, Pavitra Saunta, Manas Kumar Dutta, and Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo have all raised separate questions about this issue, demonstrating the gravity of the situation at the legislative level.