Bangladeshi nationals gathered at the international border at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar
A BSF jawan explained to a large group of Bangladeshis that they cannot be permitted entry until solutions are reached through discussions with Bangladesh.
“Please listen to me, nothing will come out of shouting”, a Border Security Force jawan told hundreds of anxious Bangladeshis camping along the border in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar, awaiting entry into India.
On August 9, Bangladeshi nationals gathered at the international border in Sitalkuchi, Cooch Behar, in an effort to enter India.
The BSF remains on high alert and has intensified vigilance along the international border. On August 11, eleven Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended while attempting to infiltrate through the borders of West Bengal, Tripura, and Meghalaya.
“We all know the problems you are facing. The whole world knows, but there is a need for discussion. We cannot solve issues like this, we cannot let you cross the border like this, can we?”, the jawan said.
“There is a need for discussion. Once that happens, we will see how we can assist you. As you can see, senior officers are here to address these issues. Is it possible for you to cross the border if you insist?” the jawan asked, to which the crowd responded with a resounding “no.”
The jawan instructed the hundreds of people to return, as advised by officers in Bangladesh during their discussions with Indian counterparts on addressing the emerging situation along the border.
Assam Director General of Police GP Singh stated that the Centre had issued a directive prohibiting illegal entry from the neighbouring country. However, he noted that Indian passport holders, primarily students and traders, will be permitted entry if their documents are verified as valid.
It is also reported that many villages along the international border in neighbouring Meghalaya keep watch throughout the night, as the border fence could not be constructed due to land demarcation issues and the presence of habitation within 150 yards of the international border pillar or zero line.
India’s border security agencies have reported a significant influx of Bangladeshis attempting to enter India for safety as their country grapples with restoring order following weeks of violent turmoil that resulted in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
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