Put on alert, BSF to start fencing Bangla border again

The Union Home Ministry anticipates fresh trouble across the Indo-Bangladesh border and has asked the Border Security Force and security age...

The Union Home Ministry anticipates fresh trouble across the Indo-Bangladesh border and has asked the Border Security Force and security agencies to step up vigil.

It is learnt that additional BSF troops are being deployed along the entire Indo-Bangladesh border.

The Centre has decided to fence the 285-km stretch, despite objection from the Bangladesh Government. Fencing of this particular stretch had been put off by the Government since it wanted to solve the issue through a dialogue.

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The BDR and BSF have an understanding that prohibits structures withing 150 yards of the international boundary. However, there are over 200 Indian villages in Tripura, West Bengal and Meghalaya that lie within 150 yards of it. Going by the agreement would mean leaving these Indian villages out. But Bangladesh has continued to stick by its objection.

‘‘Despite talks at the highest level and assurance, Bangladesh’s response is not encouraging. But keeping the larger security concerns in view a decision has been taken to fence the border,’’ senior Home Ministry officials told the Express. It is learnt that fencing work will be taken up immediately.

It is understood that issue had been taken up during Home Secretary Level talks between Bangladesh and India last August.

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