Tensions Rise at India-Bangladesh Border Following Farmers' Clash
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Synopsis
Tensions escalated along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura's Unakoti district after a violent clash between farmers from both nations. Two Indian farmers were severely injured in the altercation, prompting safety concerns and increased BSF presence in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Tension at the India-Bangladesh border due to farmer clashes.
- Two Indian farmers injured; BSF intervened.
- Concerns over safety of border villagers.
- Additional BSF troops deployed.
- Opposition protests against Bangladeshi embankment.
Agartala, Jan 27 (NationPress) Tension has flared along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura’s Unakoti district following a violent altercation between farmers from two neighboring villages, according to officials.
The BSF and police reports indicate that the local farmers clashed over agricultural disputes in the border village of Hirachhara within the Kailashahar Sub-division on Sunday evening.
As per the officials, two Indian farmers and one Bangladeshi farmer sustained injuries during the confrontation before the BSF intervened. Local sources revealed that Indian farmers -- Karim Ali (28) and Zamir Ali (34), both brothers, were viciously attacked with sharp tools and iron rods by a group of 10-12 Bangladeshi nationals. The assault left them severely injured, with Karim suffering deep lacerations on his left hand and back, while Zamir incurred head trauma.
Both are currently receiving medical attention at the Unakoti District Hospital, where doctors have indicated that Karim may require amputation of a finger on his left hand.
This incident unfolded when the two brothers, engaged in cultivating betel leaves and paddy near the border's zero line, discovered extensive damage to their crops during their Sunday farming activities. They reported the incident to the BSF personnel stationed in the vicinity.
However, upon returning home in the evening, they were threatened against returning for agricultural work and subsequently attacked by nationals from the Murui Chhara region of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh.
The attack occurred within Indian territory, raising alarms about the safety of local residents. In response, additional BSF forces have been deployed to the area.
This incident comes just three weeks after Bangladeshi nationals reportedly assaulted BSF personnel at the Maguruli border and attempted to seize their firearms on January 7.
In the meantime, the Chief Minister of Tripura met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on January 18, delivering a letter regarding the construction of a significant embankment by Bangladesh along the border.
“In his correspondence, the Chief Minister emphasized the potential impacts of the Bangladeshi embankment in Unakoti district and the risk of floods on the Indian side. He urged the Home Minister to address the issue with the Bangladesh government for necessary actions,” an official mentioned.
Seeking intervention from the Union government, the opposition Congress party organized a protest along the India-Bangladesh border in northern Tripura’s Unakoti district on Saturday, opposing the construction of the embankment by their neighboring country. Senior Congress leader and former Minister Birajit Sinha stated that the unilateral construction of the embankment by the Bangladesh government poses a threat to the district town of Kailashahar and bordering villages during monsoon floods.
