Corona anxiety in Tripura border sub-divisions over Rohingya movements

A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA: The people and also the administrations of two bordering sub-divisions of South Tripura District — Sabroom and Karbook — are passing a tense time over the fear of infiltration of Rohingya Refugees staying in Bangladesh camps for the last three years. The tension was farther intensified over the report that many more Rohingyas are trying to sneak into Bangladesh from Myanmar.

According to report, over 200 Rohingyas are trying to enter Bangladesh via Palanhkali in Ukhia and Whykang of Technaf in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. As of now, there is no report of coronavirus infection in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh where over 11 lakh refugees are staying. However, the Bangladesh government is worried as any new entry into the camp areas may disrupt the situation.

The Bangladesh Police and Border Guards besides keeping round-the-clock watch around the refugee camps, are not allowing any entry or exit. Similarly, it has totally sealed the border with Myanmar to prevent any infiltration as the government is afraid that some coronavirus-affected persons may be among those trying to enter the country.

Though this issue of the Rohingiyas is a bilateral matter between Bangladesh and Myanmar yet it has stolen sleep from the administrations of the bordering sub-divisions of Tripura, especially Sabroom and Karbook which have a long border with Chittagong Hill Tracts. People often use the borders along Ailmara, Baishnabpur, East Sabroom, Magroom, Captali, Amtali, Ghorakappa, Silachari, and other villages for trans-border movements.

The BSF has intensified security along these borders as it is feared that if one person with coronavirus infection crosses over to any of these villages it may lead to a serious health situation. Local police are also keeping close watch while the local villagers also have been sensitized about the impending danger of such an eventuality.

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