Synopsis
Since 2021, the Railway Protection Force has apprehended 916 individuals, including 586 Bangladeshis and 318 Rohingyas, amid rising illegal migration concerns. Their efforts reflect dedication to national security as they collaborate with various agencies to combat this issue effectively.Key Takeaways
- RPF apprehended 916 individuals since 2021.
- Collaboration with BSF and local police enhances operations.
- Increased illegal migration from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- Railways used as a primary transit method for migrants.
- Vulnerable migrants face risks of exploitation.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has effectively apprehended 916 individuals, comprising 586 Bangladeshi nationals and 318 Rohingyas since 2021, demonstrating their dedication to protecting the nation.
In June and July 2024, RPF detained 88 Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants in regions overseen by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Several of these migrants admitted to entering India illegally and were intercepted while traveling via train to destinations like Kolkata.
In October 2024, reports revealed that despite heightened security along the Bangladesh border, illegal migrants persist in infiltrating India, utilizing Assam as a transit point and railways as their favored travel method to reach other areas of the country. These occurrences highlight the difficulties faced by Indian authorities in monitoring and securing railway networks against illegal immigration.
The reliance on railways by these migrants not only eases their movement across states but also complicates the detection and prevention of unauthorized entry into the country.
In response to this challenge, the RPF has ramped up its efforts by partnering with vital security organizations such as the Border Security Force (BSF), local police, and intelligence agencies. This collaborative strategy has markedly improved operational efficacy, allowing for the rapid identification and detention of those engaged in illegal migration.
While the RPF plays a crucial role, they lack direct authority to prosecute apprehended individuals. Instead, detained persons are transferred to police and other authorized entities for further legal actions.
The ongoing political instability in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, along with geopolitical shifts and socio-religious factors, has resulted in an increased number of individuals seeking refuge, work, and shelter within India's interior regions.
This continues to be a substantial concern for national security. Although exact figures regarding the number of infiltrators using railways are scarce, recent reports suggest that illegal migrants frequently utilize railway networks to traverse areas like Assam and Tripura on their way to other regions in India.
The Railway Protection Force has stepped up to meet this pressing issue, playing a fundamental role in identifying and apprehending illegal migrants attempting to breach India's borders. These individuals not only pose a national security risk but are also susceptible to exploitation, including human trafficking for forced labor, domestic work, prostitution, and even organ trafficking.
