Odisha Goes For Enhanced Coastal Surveillance To Thwart Threat Of Bangladesh Immigrant Influx

The Odisha government has instructed superintendents of police in all coastal districts to enhance night patrols to prevent illegal immigrants from Bangladesh from entering via sea routes, given the ongoing political turmoil in that country.

Sanjay Kumar, the additional director general of police (law and order), has confirmed that their primary objective is to stop illegal immigrants from entering the state, particularly in Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak districts.

Kumar stated, "All 18 marine police stations have been directed to stay alert and monitor sea routes along Odisha's coast. The central government has also alerted the coast guards. The SPs of coastal districts and the ADG of coastal security are closely monitoring the situation".

He further added, "There are chances that criminal elements, after committing crimes in their country, may enter our territory in small groups via sea routes. We have instructed an increased vigilance in habitations near the coastal areas."

Additionally, a 24/7 control room has been established in the office of the ADG, coastal security, to coordinate with various agencies and secure the seacoast.

Odisha's coastline stretches 480 kilometres, with illegal immigrants from Bangladesh typically reaching Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur using fishing trawlers, as per a report by The Indian Express.

Kendrapada district collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas stated that while police and security agencies have intensified coastal surveillance, the district administration has directed revenue inspectors and forest officials to monitor the movement of people in villages near the coast.

Although a court-endorsed committee of top officials from the Odisha government had suggested in August 2019 that the state government should request the Centre to implement the National Register of Citizens in Kendrapada district, the plan has not yet progressed.