Attempts by Bangladeshi Smugglers and Infiltrators to Breach the Indo-Bangladesh Border Persist
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Kolkata, Jan 11 (NationPress) Bangladeshi smugglers have been intensifying their attempts to breach the international border with India, particularly in the districts of Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal. On Saturday, this marked the second day of such efforts, which necessitated the Border Security Force (BSF) to fire in self-defense, according to an official report.
The most recent incident was recorded by the 119 Battalion of the BSF at the Nawada Border Outpost in Malda.
"The event transpired around 2:10 a.m. on Saturday. A BSF personnel on duty observed 15-20 Bangladeshi nationals within Indian territory, rapidly advancing towards the border fence, situated 150 meters from the zero line. There was also noticeable movement on the opposing side of the barbed wire fence. After alerting his fellow officers, the jawan approached and instructed the Bangladeshis to retreat beyond the zero line.
"This warning went unheeded as the smugglers directed their high-beam torches at the jawan to disorient him. Some even advanced towards him in an aggressive manner. In response, the jawan discharged two blank rounds from his service rifle," stated N.K. Pandey, DIG and spokesperson for the BSF, South Bengal Frontier.
He elaborated that the blanks did not deter the assailants, who began to encircle the jawan, intent on attacking with sharp-edged weapons. At this point, another BSF personnel arrived at the scene.
Feeling his life was in peril, the first jawan fired two live rounds at the smugglers, which successfully caused them to retreat into the shadows, utilizing a nearby mango orchard for cover. Pandey noted that it is possible that some individuals from the group sustained injuries.
A subsequent search of the area uncovered 572 bottles of banned cough syrup, a 'dau' (a sharp-edged weapon), and a high-beam torch.
Similar attempts were reported at the Harinathpur and Churiyantpur BOPs in Malda, as well as the Nandanpur and Farjipara BOPs in Murshidabad.
At these sites, efforts were made to smuggle cattle and illegally cross into India.
Five heads of cattle were seized, along with drugs and various illegal items.
All contraband was handed over to the appropriate authorities. At these locations, BSF personnel resorted to using stun grenades, pump-action shotguns, and standard firearms to repel the Bangladeshi intruders. All firing incidents have been duly reported to the local police.
"Such events are becoming increasingly frequent, yet our jawans remain dedicated to their duties and maintain a high level of vigilance. Regular flag meetings are conducted with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to address these issues, but without success. This inaction from the BGB has emboldened both criminals and illegal infiltrators. Nevertheless, BSF personnel are unwavering in their commitment to safeguarding the borders and ensuring national security under all circumstances," Pandey concluded.
