The Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya Frontier has intensified its vigil across the 443.8 km long international border that the state shares with neighbouring Bangladesh to ensure that no cross border movement takes place during this pandemic period, a BSF official said on May 26.
“Attempts at trans-border violation by Bangladeshi miscreants have increased, which can be attributed to global lockdown and the resultant economic slowdown followed by unemployment. Bangladeshi nationals infiltrate with the intention to commit theft, mainly of forest produces like timber and wooden logs,” BSF spokesperson UK Nayal said.
“Besides, Bangladeshi nationals sometimes are involved in petty smuggling of liquor and other contraband items, taking advantage of the porous and unfenced gaps along the border. They exhibit aggressive gesture and are often confronted with BSF when stopped along the International Border,” he said.
Nayal informed that in one such instance, on May 23, some Bangladeshis entered inside Indian territory for collecting wooden logs floating in the fast currents of River Piyang in the East Khasi Hill district.
“These Bangladeshi miscreants who had numerical superiority confronted with BSF troops. However, BSF troops managed to push them back with the use of non-lethal weapons,” the BSF official revealed.
“The Border Security Force is continuing with its fight on two fronts – cross border crimes and against Coronavirus. The force is putting all out efforts to intensify its vigil along the International Border to curb illegal trans-border movement and crimes so as to contain the spread of COVID-19 as well as ensure security along the international border,” he said.
