BSF-BGB talks focus on killing of B’deshis, crime

SHILLONG: The annual inspector general level BSF-BGB border talks began at the BSF Meghalaya frontier headquarters here on Wednesday.
A 23-member Bangladesh delegation – led by M Zahid Hasan, Additional Director General, Region Commander, North East Region, Sarail, Bangladesh – arrived in Shillong for the coordination conference between inspectors general, BSF and region commanders, BGB.
While the BSF mainly focused on issues like activities of Indian insurgent groups in Bangladesh, smuggling of cattle, FICN and gold smuggling, trans-border crimes, construction of single row fencing and developmental works during the conference, BGB highlighted firing, killing and injuring of unarmed Bangladeshi nationals by Indians, apprehension of Bangladeshi nationals, illegal trespassing by Indians, smuggling of drugs and narcotics, among others.
Both the border forces analysed all forms of trans-border crime patterns and pledged to work out ways to keep a check on them.
Both forces stressed on the need to uplift the border population residing on either side of the border.
Though the Bangladesh delegation denied any presence of Indian insurgent groups in the neighbouring country, it assured to take action if any such elements are detected.
The conference is held biannually with an aim to maintain peace and tranquility along the border.