BSF Thwarts Large-Scale Attempt to Cross India-Bangladesh Border in West Bengal
On Friday, the Guwahati Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully thwarted a large-scale attempt to cross the India-Bangladesh border in Cooch Behar District, West Bengal. Approximately 1,000 individuals, primarily Bangladeshi Hindus, sought refuge in India but were stopped by the BSF.
The BSF swiftly coordinated with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) to manage the situation and prevent escalation. The group had assembled about 400 meters from the fence near a water body in Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat district.
“The border was completely sealed, and none of the individuals managed to enter India. The BGB later escorted them back to Bangladesh,” a senior BSF official confirmed.
Local resident Ikramul Haque reported that the attempted crossing occurred around 9-9:30 am. He noted that while the crowd has diminished, there are still people near the border. “Their sudden arrival doesn’t allow for immediate entry into India due to established protocols and a significant BSF presence,” Haque added.
The BSF highlighted that their prompt and effective actions, in collaboration with India’s civil administration, were essential in maintaining order and resolving the situation.
Modi Govt Forms High-Level Committee to Address India-Bangladesh Border Situation
On Friday, the Centre established a five-member committee to oversee the situation along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB). According to an order from the Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the committee will liaise with Bangladeshi officials to safeguard Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh.
The committee will be chaired by Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General of the BSF Eastern Command. Its members include the Inspector General of BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal, the Inspector General of BSF Frontier HQ Tripura, a Member of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) for Planning and Development, and the Secretary of LPAI.
