New Delhi: In a display of swift and decisive action, the Border Security Force (BSF) successfully thwarted a large-scale attempt to infiltrate India from Bangladesh, preventing a potential escalation of tensions along the sensitive border.
The incident unfolded in Cooch Behar District, West Bengal on Friday, where a group of people from Bangladesh had assembled near the border fence. The BSF, acting swiftly and in coordination with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), ensured that none of the individuals were able to cross the border and were subsequently escorted back to Bangladesh.
“The Bangladeshis had gathered at the border, but none were able to enter the country as the border was completely sealed. They were later taken back by the BGB into their own country,” a senior BSF official said.
The attempted infiltration, which involved a group of approximately 90 individuals gathered about 400 meters from the fence, was swiftly detected and contained by the BSF. The presence of a strong BSF contingent and a well-defined protocol for border crossings ensured that the attempted infiltration was unsuccessful.
“The quick and decisive actions of the BSF, in coordination with India’s civil administration, were crucial in maintaining order and resolving the issue,” BSF said.
Local residents, including Ikramul Haque from Pathantuli in Sitalkuchi, according to the Hindustan Times, confirmed the incident. In response to the incident, the Indian government formed a five-member committee to monitor the situation along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB). Led by Ravi Gandhi, additional director general of BSF, Eastern Command, the committee will maintain communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh.