New single-layer fence along India-B’desh border

Tribune News Service & PTI

New Delhi, October 4

India and Bangladesh have decided to raise a new fence to secure over 250 villages ahead of the present barbed-wire fence along the International Border (IB) to curb cross-border crimes and instill a sense of security among the people living in the area.

The decision was taken at the bi-annual Director General-level talks between the BSF and its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) which concluded here today.

“We have taken a major decision to erect a single-row fence for villages that are ahead of the present fencing but behind the IB. This will help curb cross-border crimes, smuggling instances and instill a sense of security in the border population. The Bangladesh Government and the BGB have given us the permission to do so,” said BSF chief KK Sharma said after signing the joint record of discussions with Border Guard Bangladesh DG Major General Aziz Ahmed.

He said the decision will affect 148 villages “fully” ahead of the IB fence and 137 “partially” ahead of it.

“Most of these villages are in West Bengal, while a few are in other Indian states sharing the border with Bangladesh. As the population lives and works here, the fence will have gates for people to cross over to the other side and come back,” Sharma said.

The BSF chief said both countries would share real-time cross-border crime.

As part of measures to beef up overall security, the border force has reviewed the preparedness of security mechanisms along the eastern front with Bangladesh to thwart attempt by terrorists to sneak into India.

On the western frontier with Pakistan, Sharma said: “We have noticed unmanned aerial vehicles coming close to the border. We are capable of giving a befitting reply to our adversary.”

“No doubt, the overall vigil has been increased (along western borders). The defence and security forces establishments are on their highest alert. There is tension on the western border… We are having active engagement (with Pakistan) at the Line of Control and are receiving shelling from the other side. However, we are in supportive role at the LoC (to Army),” Sharma told the TNS.

He said the BSF and BGB “touched upon” the security situation post the surgical strikes.