TURA: Two villagers from Purakhasia border area of West Garo Hills district have been injured after BSF troops manning the international border with Bangladesh opened fire to stop a group of alleged cattle smugglers who attacked them in broad daylight on Friday.
According to BSF officials in Garo Hills, troops from the paramilitary force on patrol duty spotted a large herd of cattle being driven towards the international border in the border village of Kochu Adokgre, near Purakhasia, shortly past noon.
When challenged by the troops who sought documents of ownership of the cattle and reason for moving the herd of several dozen cattle close to the international border, an angry mob of around 30 villagers from nearby Belabor village allegedly attacked the patrol party pelting stones and other objects forcing the troops to open fire.
The firing left two villagers, Namseng Sangma (35) and Dipush Marak (29) injured. They were taken to Dalu health centre for medical treatment. Doctors say both victims are out of danger. Two other villagers, Tapa Marak (60) and Brenath Sangma (42) have been arrested by the border guards for their alleged involvement in the cattle smuggling attempt.
Recent events of cattle smuggling in Garo Hills have become a major cause of concern.
