Indian security forces have raised their alert level in areas along the Agartala border with Bangladesh after BNP-affiliated bodies started a long march towards the Indian city, protesting the vandalism of Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission there by Hindu nationalists.

The police and BSF have increased patrol in border areas, particularly communally sensitive areas, and have also bolstered border monitoring efforts, said police officer Kiron Kumar.

Speaking to BBC Bangla, Kiron, the superintendent of Paccim Tripura district in India’s Tripura state, said additional police personnel were deployed along the border a week ago and now patrols have been increased.

However, the movement of goods and people holding valid documents is continuing across the border.

BNP’s three major affiliates student wing Chhatra Dal, youth wing Juba Dal and volunteers’ wing Swechhasebak Dal began a long march towards the Agartala border at 9am Wednesday.

The march ended with a rally.

It was called in protest against a Hindu mobs attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner’s office in Agartala, and a persistent smear campaign being waged by Indian politicians and media outlets since the ouster of pro-Indian dictator Sheikh Hasina from Dhaka’s seat of power.

The disinformation campaign was also waged in Bangladesh by controversial Hindu leaders, which led to the arrest of one named Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges.