Attempted Assault on BSF Personnel by Smugglers in Tripura
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Agartala, Jan 7 (NationPress) A faction of cross-border smugglers tried to launch an assault on a contingent of Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on duty near northern Tripura on Tuesday, with the intention of seizing the weapons from the jawans. However, the border guarding authority effectively thwarted this bold attempt, according to statements from officials.
Notably, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) provided support to the BSF in dispersing the smugglers.
Officials reported that a BSF team on duty near the India-Bangladesh border within the Magroli gram panchayat in Unakoti district was targeted by a group of approximately 15-20 Bangladeshi smugglers.
“The vigilant BSF troops attempted to intercept the Bangladeshi smugglers while they were engaged in smuggling various illicit goods. When ordered to stop, the smugglers retaliated with sharp weapons, attempting to snatch the arms and ammunition of the BSF jawans while hurling abusive language at the security personnel,” an official noted.
During the altercation between the BSF jawans and the smugglers, several personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) approached the border fence and helped Indian forces collectively to repulse the smugglers amidst the chaos.
After additional BSF reinforcements arrived, the smugglers managed to escape. The official mentioned that both BSF and BGB personnel demonstrated considerable restraint by refraining from opening fire on the fleeing smugglers.
Tripura, bordered by Bangladesh on three sides, has an extensive international boundary measuring 856 km, with segments still unfenced due to local land disputes and demarcation issues.
Since unrest erupted in Bangladesh in July—especially following the downfall of the previous Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government on August 5—there has been a marked increase in infiltration attempts into India's northeastern states, compelling the BSF to bolster surveillance along the international border.
A spokesperson from the BSF indicated that in response to the unrest beginning in June-July, the border security force has amplified its operations along the 856-km India-Bangladesh border in Tripura to curb infiltration, exfiltration, and cross-border crimes, including contraband smuggling.
The BSF has successfully thwarted numerous infiltration attempts by hundreds of Bangladeshi nationals, encompassing both Hindus and Muslims.
