BSF to develop two border outposts into tourist spots

SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) is developing two of its outposts along the Bangladesh border in Meghalaya into tourist spots.
Construction work for the projects at Kilapara and Dawki has already begun.
A BSF official informed that necessary tourism-related infrastructure was being created at Kilapara outpost in Dalu which has historical relevance.
The border outpost is proposed to have photography exhibitions, display of arms and screening of documentaries about places for tourists to get information and know the security issues, besides construction of sheds, galleries and other facilities.
Kilapara in West Garo Hills has a war memorial where tourists pay homage to martyrs of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The war memorial carries an untold saga of suffering and bravery as the area was a strategic war zone in 1971.
On the other hand, there are also plans to organise a retreat ceremony at Dawki border similar to the one at Attari-Wagah checkpost along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Amritsar district.
However, the posturing of the jawans will not be as aggressive as the one exhibited in the Wagah border as the relations between India and Bangladesh are friendly.
According to officials, both BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were planning to start the retreat ceremony from August 15 but the infrastructure work was delayed due to the inclement weather in Bangladesh.
“We are on the job to see that the retreat ceremony is started at the earliest,” an official said.
The official said the idea of developing Dawki border outpost with necessary infrastructure for tourists would be a win-win situation for both countries as the outpost was used by tourists from both sides to cross over.
Besides, the Umngot river’s increasing popularity has already given the place recognition and organising the retreat ceremony at Dawki would further add to the potential of the place.
Dawki, 81km from here, is one of the revenue generating export points that witnesses visits of tourists, both foreign and domestic. Tourists from Bangladesh also camp close to the zero line, a point where the Umngot river starts its journey from the Meghalaya border to Bangladesh.
The BSF earlier had sent the proposals to the home ministry for approval and the budget for developing the spots at Rs 1 crore each.