India-Bangladesh security chiefs discuss steps to curb illegal activities, counter ‘exaggerated’ reports on border disputes

“Important issues of mutual interest in border areas related to border management were discussed in the meeting. Among other issues: strengthening bilateral cooperation, control of illegal activities in the border area, prevention of movement of people other than farmers near the international border, were discussed and consensus was reached,” said a BSF officer.

The Indian side of the border touches West Bengal (2216.7 km), Assam (263 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Tripura (856 km) and Mizoram (318 km). The entire stretch consists of plains, riverine belts, hills and jungles. The area is heavily populated and is cultivated right up to the border.

During the three-hour meeting, both sides also focused on ensuring effective border management. “Recent concerns were also discussed in the meeting, including the incident at Sukdevpur border in the Malda district [in West Bengal] on January 18. BSF reiterated its commitment to work closely with BGB to maintain peace and security along the India-Bangladesh border. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both forces expressing their continued commitment to bilateral cooperation and border security,” the BSF officer said.

Both sides also emphasised on finding solutions to border related problems through mutual dialogue and consensus. “Both sides expressed concern over exaggeration of border related disputes and rumours in some sections of the media and agreed to prevent the same,” the officer said.

N K Pandey, South Bengal Frontier, BSF, said, “These high level meetings symbolise the strong partnership between India and Bangladesh. Both the forces reiterated their commitment towards maintaining security of the international border and resolve common issues through mutual dialogue and cooperation. BSF is fully dedicated to its objective of ensuring peace and security of its borders, and having cordial relationships with its neighbouring countries is high on its priority.”

“In order to prevent infiltration, smuggling, and other anti-national activities from across the India-Bangladesh border, the Centre had sanctioned the construction of border fencing with floodlights, in phases. The total length of India-Bangladesh border is 4096.7 km, out of which, 3196.705 km has been covered by physical fencing. The non-physical barrier will be in the form of technological solutions. Old design fences are being replaced with a new design fence,” an official of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

“There have been some problems in the construction of fencing in certain stretches on this border due to riverine/low lying areas, habitations close to the border, pending land acquisition cases and protests by the border population, which have slowed down the completion of the project,” the official added.