A ‘sacred thread’ that unites opposing troops

SHILLONG: Sounds of gunshots and standoffs between the forces of different countries are a regular affair on any international border, but the border in Meghalaya has largely been untouched by skirmishes and has remained undivided by religious or political prejudice with festivities being organised time and again by both sides.
On Saturday the Zero Line in Tamabil, Dawki was a scene of camaraderie as soldiers from the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) overcame their territorial divide and came together, tied by a thread, to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
A large number of women from Shillong made their way to the International Border Outpost at Dawki and tied Rakhis on the wrist of BSF soldiers posted there before making their way across the Integrated Check Post (ICP) to tie the sacred thread on the wrists of the soldiers from across the border.
The gesture of the women from the city was appreciated by the BGB personnel who greeted their ‘sisters’ from across the border and exchanged sweets and pleasantries.
While the Indo-Bangla border in the Meghalaya sector has been mostly peaceful, all was not well few years ago ) with the two border forces facing a standoff in February 2010. The BSF and the BGB, then known as the Bangladesh Rifles, exchanging several rounds of fire and turning the situation tense.
The situation was doused through several rounds of talks.
Since then, several initiatives have been taken to end the border skirmishes and the situation has turned for the better.