Correspondent
SILCHAR, Nov 27 – Despite sporadic disturbances, India's international border with Bangladesh in the Barak Valley is safe and the Border Security Force (BSF) is keeping a close vigil on the cross-border activities, said AC Thapliyal, Inspector General of BSF, Mizoram and Cachar Frontier.
On the sidelines of celebrating a week-long event in the run-up to the 49th raising day of the paramilitary force on December 1, Thapliyal said that there have been no or minimum reports of infiltration or influx of people in the last one year since his stay here. "I want to let people know that there is no reason to panic as our border is safe," he said.
Thapliyal added that the minor issues along the Myanmar and Bangladesh borders and the incidents of crime across the border will minimise once the floodlights are installed and the fencing is completed. Asked whether there is any report of any existence of extremist groups in the neighbouring country, the IG replied that they have reports of extremist groups having their camps there and the matter was discussed at the DG-level meets on routine basis.
He also informed that the Bangladesh Government is extending cooperation in rooting out the extremists. But the IG admitted that there was specific information on some bases of extremists in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). He, however, brushed aside allegations of cattle-smuggling from across the border. Thapliyal said that his jawans are vigilant about the political developments ahead of the general elections in Bangladesh.
"Besides protecting the fence, our jawans are also engaged in counter-insurgency operations and are alert of the border situation," the BSF IG said. On the question of guarding the Myanmar border, which is at present taken care of by the Assam Rifles, Thapliyal said that if the Union Home Ministry entrusts them with the responsibility, the BSF is ready to guard the Myanmar border.
The IG said that during this calendar year, the BSF has nabbed a number of smugglers and huge consignments of contraband tablets and narcotic drugs worth crores of rupees have been seized from them in the border areas. According to the BSF, as many as 66 infiltrators and 16 underground cadres were apprehended. The infiltrators include 51 Indians, 14 Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national. The underground cadres belong to the KYKL, KCP, UNLF, URF, PREPAK and other splinter groups. Moreover, five militants from different extremist groups surrendered before the BSF along with arms and ammunition, grenades and wireless sets.
On its civic action front, the BSF is committed to helping those living along the border and also the civilians in the counter-insurgency affected areas in various ways, he said, adding that the paramilitary force regularly organises programmes for these people living in remote areas.
Earlier in the day, the celebrations began with a half marathon and a bicycle safari. Various arms and ammunition, including the X-95 assault rifle, LMGs, SMGs, carbine machines, etc., were also put on display for the general public. A blood donation camp was also organised on the occasion.
Sports and Excise Minister Ajit Singh, who was the chief guest of the function, said the BSF jawans are doing a commendable job in protecting the borders across the nation. "India feels safe in the hands of the BSF," he told the gathering. Assam Police officials were also present on the occasion.
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/11/28/indias-border-along-bangladesh-safe-bsf-ig/
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