More boats found along Indo-Bangladesh border

By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 19: Amidst the constant apprehension about Bangladeshi nationals crossing over to India in the wake of the turmoil in the neighbouring country, more boats have been discovered along the Indo-Bangladesh border hinting at the notion that people from the strife-torn nation are continuing to flee to India.
Troops of 110th Battalion of BSF Meghalaya, on Sunday, seized two Bangladeshi wooden boats and four Bangladeshi steel boats from Umiam (Shella river).
In connection with the boats, the BSF revealed that Bangladeshi smugglers attempted to cross over to the Indian territory to steal and extract gravel and stone.
It may be recalled that BSF troops of the 193 Battalion had earlier successfully intercepted and seized 19 wooden boats belonging to Bangladeshi smugglers in the Jadukata river near Ghumaghat on July 29. The smugglers were attempting to cross into Indian territory to collect stone boulders and sand.
Smuggling bid foiled
In a separate operation, alert troops of 4th Battalion BSF foiled a massive smuggling bid and seized cosmetics and clothing items worth Rs 58 lakh while being smuggled to Bangladesh from the international border in East Khasi Hills.
The consignments were seized by BSF troops when the smugglers were trying to smuggle it into Bangladesh. However, on being challenged by BSF personnel, miscreants fled away from the spot by taking advantage of inclement weather and darkness.
The seized items were handed over to the Customs office in Pynursla for further action.