SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) has asked the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to discourage Bangladeshi nationals from crossing the International Boundary in order to avoid any confrontation with the border population and to ensure maintenance of peace and tranquility at the border.
The BSF took up the matter with the BGB during the Region Commander level co-ordination conference held at Sylhet, Bangladesh.
The BSF also emphasized on joint efforts by both the border forces to curb all illegal activities across the international border.
Sudesh Kumar, Inspector General, BSF, Meghalaya Frontier, who headed the Indian delegation, strongly conveyed the BSF agenda to BGB vis-à-vis presence of Indian insurgent groups like GNLA, ULFA, HNLC, NDFB, NLFT, etc., in Bangladesh territory and commission of trans-border crimes like smuggling of FICN, forest produce and cattle by Bangladeshi criminals inside Indian territory.
Issue of construction of single row fence within 150 yards from the border was also deliberated upon after which clearance was sought from the Bangladesh Government.
The BGB conveyed their concerns over firing, killing and injuring of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by Indian miscreants and smuggling of various types of narcotic substances including Phensedyl and liquor to Bangladesh.
However, BSF refuted the allegations, saying that Indian nationals might have fired upon Bangladeshi nationals who were illegally entering into Indian Territory during odd hours of the night for committing dacoity and theft.
The BSF delegation consisted of IGs of Meghalaya, Assam and Tripura Frontiers of BSF, DIGs of all Sectors of BSF Frontiers and representatives of the Narcotics Control Bureau, and Ministry of Home Affairs.