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The Border Security Force has heightened vigilance along the Meghalaya–Bangladesh frontier amid growing concerns over radicalisation in the neighbouring country, with BSF Inspector General of the Meghalaya Frontier, O.P. Upadhyay emphasising that global and regional fundamentalist currents are reshaping the security landscape. Upadhyay said radicalisation around India is likely to affect the security scenario and stressed the need for constant alertness. He asserted that anti-social or radical elements may attempt to disturb peace along the border, and the BSF is taking all necessary precautions. Rising fundamentalism in Bangladesh following the recent regime change has intensified concerns for India’s northeastern region, with BSF officials in Meghalaya noting increased activity of fundamentalist groups in border-adjacent areas. As Bangladesh attempts to rebuild its democracy for its people, a streak of fundamentalism that had been subdued for years is re-emerging.
BSF Inspector General O.P. Upadhyay said, “All over the world, the radicalisation and fundamentalism, especially, all and around India is going to affect the securities scenario, but we have to be vigilant and we have to be careful and we have to be very, very alert. This is one of the important factor which cannot be ignored and we are taking care of it.”
Asked whether radical elements are attempting to enter Indian territory, he said, “You were well aware that any anti-social element or radical element, they will try to disturb the peace and tranquillity on the borders and as a security Force personal we have to take a guard against them. So we are taking all necessary guard against them.”
Meanwhile, addressing border coordination with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Upadhyay said no evidence has emerged of militant groups such as ULFA or HNLC taking shelter across areas opposite Meghalaya, though close coordination continues to ensure rapid response if required. He said, “As far as the areas opposite Meghalaya border is concern, we do not have any such kind of information, but none of the less we are in close coordination and touch with the BGB and hopefully with their support, if at all is there any such issue, we will be able to handle it properly.”
On the induction of new technology along the border, the IG said, “Because of the security reasons, I cannot disclose the exact nature of technology, but certainly we are introducing advanced surveillance equipment. And not only these surveillance equipment will be helping us in the detections of the transporter crime, these equipments will also be having the capability to give us the advanced inputs. This is what I can tell you and I assure that we are introducing the right kind of technology and we are getting good result of this.”
He added that the BSF is increasingly using indigenous systems. “With the focus of our government is making in India and fortunately, there is an availability of very good technology in-house and on the directions and patronage of our honourable PM, we are getting very good inbuilt and made in India technology. So most of the technology, which we are using is made in India and it’s a domestic technology that we are using.”
On drone utilisation, he said, “Drone is naturally is also part of the advance technology but how where and in what magnitude it is being used? It depends on the operational scenario and it depends on the requirement. BSF is having drone and we are also using it.”
Upadhyay also acknowledged institutional support, stating, “Yes, we are getting good support from our defence establishments and the companies and the institutions, the government of India institutions are very adequately supporting us. Be it DRDO be it BEL or be it some other agencies.”
