SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday criticised the Khasi Students Union (KSU) for accusing the jawans of failing to act against Bangladeshi smugglers by saying the claims were “totally false, baseless and fabricated”.
It also denied corruption charges against those manning border outposts and entry points.
The KSU had recently said BSF has failed to act against the Bangladeshis who smuggle stones from areas bordering Pynursla in East Khasi Hills along the Kashmar river but is active against cattle smugglers on the India-Bangladesh border in the state.
In a statement issued here on Friday, BSF said the Kashmar can be classified as a stream and not a river and it flows along the eastern side of BSF BOP Nayabazar at an approximate distance of 300 m where regular patrolling is being carried out to dominate the area.
Lashing out at KSU president of South Central East circle, Innocent Khongstia, BSF argued that he was a resident of Pynursla, which is about 40 km from the international border, and his views were hearsay without any corroboration of facts as he has never visited the area.
BSF said KSU and other pressure groups often level false allegations against the border sentinels.
Based on “reliably learnt facts”, BSF alleged that the report was instigated by the Donbor Dkhar, Sordar and Betory Rymmai of Nongsohpan who oppose Indo Bangladesh Border Fence (IBBF) with an intention to malign the image and reputation of the BSF.
In this connection, BSF stated that the youth are being misguided by a few self-interested people for their personal gains putting national security at stake.
They further added that it would be encouraging if youth organisations like KSU come forward to contribute to national security.
The statement further pointed out that the Sordar of Raid Lyngkhat and Raid Nongshken has not raised any complaint on the issue of stone or betel smuggling till date.
The traditional heads maintained that such incidents occurred before 2007.
