Indian security agencies have launched a multi-state audit of peripheral checkpoints after six Ukrainian nationals were intercepted in Mizoram last week and, on 14 July, an American citizen was caught attempting to enter Uttar Pradesh from Nepal using forged documents. Both groups allegedly paid local facilitators to avoid standard immigration controls. The Intelligence Bureau fears that lax riverine stretches and dense jungles are being exploited by organised networks smuggling people toward Southeast Asia or India’s major metropolitan hubs. Officials told Aaj Tak that biometric e-gates being piloted at 19 land ports will now be fast-tracked to all 112 authorised crossings by December. Foreign businesses running border-area projects—especially hydropower and road works—can expect more frequent passport inspections for expatriate staff and suppliers. The Home Ministry has advised companies to keep digital copies of FRRO registrations and to brief drivers about new stop-and-search drills. Experts say the arrests will likely accelerate India’s proposed Integrated Check-Post expansion with Nepal, which includes dedicated lanes for registered migrant workers and a single-window customs system.
Source: Aaj Tak
