A large number of infiltrators have entered the country. The infiltration mainly takes place through the Indo-Bangladesh and the Indo-Pakistan borders/Line of Control. The year-wise figures of infiltrators intercepted by BSF is as follows:

1997                                                    15166

1998                                                    6659

1999 (upto 20 Nov.)                            5880

Recommendations of the Governor (of Assam to the President) have been sent to the State Government of Assam for appropriate action.

The Govt. of India is committed to complete the border fencing in Assam at the earliest. Fencing of 152.3 kms of Assam - Bangladesh border including 71.72 kms in Karimganj district has been sanctioned. Out of this, about 140 kms border has been fenced as on 31.10.1999. fencing for additional 71.5 kms of Assam – Bangladesh border, including 35 kms in Karimganj district is planned in the IInd phase. The matter has been taken up with the Government of Bangladesh ... at various levels.

... On various occasions ... it has been reiterated to the Government of Bangladesh at various levels to adhere to the ground arrangements between the Border Security Force and the Bangladesh Rifles for accepting illegal Bangladeshi nationals handed over to Bangladesh Rifles from time to time by the Border Security Force.

(Source: LSUQ No.1161 dated 6.12.1999 by R. Athawale & 2 Others)