Clashes Erupt Between Villagers Along the India-Bangladesh Border
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Synopsis
Tensions reignited at Sukhdevpur, West Bengal, as Bangladeshi villagers allegedly invaded Indian territory. Crop destruction and tree cutting led to a violent clash, prompting BSF intervention. This incident adds to ongoing border disputes and diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
- Conflict occurred in Sukhdevpur, West Bengal.
- Bangladeshi villagers allegedly crossed the border.
- BSF used tear gas to control the situation.
- Ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
- Farmers advised to avoid future confrontations.
Kolkata, Jan 18 (NationPress) Tensions flared once more along the India-Bangladesh border at Sukhdevpur in West Bengal's Malda district on Saturday after Bangladeshi villagers reportedly crossed into Indian land, damaging crops and cutting down trees in a mango orchard.
Indian villagers assembled at the scene, leading to a confrontation between the two groups. Ultimately, the Border Security Force (BSF) was compelled to deploy tear gas to restore order.
Sukhdevpur, located in the Baishnabnagar police station area of Malda, recently made headlines when Bangladesh objected to India's plan to construct a Single Line Fence (SLF) along this unprotected border section.
Indian villagers have consistently raised concerns regarding assaults by armed individuals from across the border.
In response, Bangladesh denied India permission to build the SLF, even threatening to open fire on workers if construction commenced.
This situation escalated into a significant diplomatic dispute, with both nations summoning each other’s ambassadors to voice their grievances. Although tensions had eased over the past five days, incidents reignited.
According to the BSF, unrest began around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday after Indian villagers reported that their crops had been compromised by Bangladeshi individuals.
A dispute broke out with Bangladeshi farmers, escalating into a clash with both sides throwing stones at each other, as stated by a BSF spokesperson.
“Both the BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) responded on either side of the international border to de-escalate the situation. We have relocated Indian villagers to a safe distance from the border. In the afternoon, some Bangladeshi villagers were observed 50-75 meters from the IBB, with BGB personnel working to push them back further.
“This should not be interpreted as a clash between the two border security forces. Rather, the unit commanders of the BSF and BGB are collaborating to enhance coordination to avert such occurrences,” the BSF official clarified.
The BSF has instructed Indian farmers to refrain from engaging in similar activities in the future and to seek assistance if needed.
