Kishanganj: In a significant development at the India-Nepal border, six Myanmar nationals were arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on Sunday for illegally entering India and possessing fake Indian identification documents. The individuals, all students studying theology, were attempting to cross into India from Nepal when they were apprehended at the Kishanganj district border in Bihar.
According to sources, the group had been on a trip to Nepal’s Jhapa district and were returning when they were intercepted by SSB personnel from the 41st battalion. Upon inspection, the officers found that the group did not possess valid travel documents and were in possession of forged Indian identity cards, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, and voter ID cards.
The Arrested Individuals:
The arrested individuals have been identified as Maji Mayo Hatai Li (26), Langh Ngaiah Niang (28, the only female), Naw Thawng (27), Francis Tawok Lian Sang (20), Wan Ja Lian (20), and Roland Naval Lian (estimated age 20).
During questioning, the suspects revealed that they had entered India in 2022-23, traveling through Mizoram and Nagaland, all without visas or passports. Their original intention was to study theology in India, specifically at the VITRA Theological College in Nagaland. However, their attempts to enroll were thwarted when they could not provide valid documents, particularly an Aadhaar card, which is required for admission.
The Theological Studies and Illegal Stay:
Unable to gain admission due to the lack of an Aadhaar card, the students turned to alternative methods, producing fake identity documents to enroll in a college in Delhi. This illegal documentation allowed them to live and study in India under false pretenses.
When the group had a break from college, they decided to visit Nepal with some of their Indian and Nepali peers. However, their trip was cut short when they were caught at the India-Nepal border while attempting to cross back into India.
Investigation and Security Response:
SSB officials, upon noticing discrepancies in their documents, immediately detained the individuals and handed them over to the police in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The incident has raised serious concerns about the use of fraudulent documents and the illegal movement of individuals across the border.
Intelligence agencies are currently investigating the case further, with a special focus on the validity of the seized documents and the potential implications of this breach of national security. The authorities have also expressed concern about the growing trend of such illegal entries and the exploitation of forged documents to bypass border security.
