'Ask Farmers To Not Cultivate Tall Crops': BSF Directive To DMs Across Bangladesh Border To Stem Infiltration
Miscreants, smugglers, and infiltrators often try to hide behind tall crops and foment trouble in the region
Border Security Force (BSF) Eastern Command has written a letter to district magistrates of all areas across the Bangladesh border to request farmers to not cultivate jute or other crops that attain height as infiltrators often use the tall foliage as camouflage to enter into India.
Sources told News18 that the letter was sent three months ago as part of a sensitisation drive for villagers.
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“It is an opportunity for infiltrators and smugglers. Therefore, this letter has been written to DMs to persuade farmers to opt for alternatives," a BSF officer said. Sources in the administration told News18 that this is not the first time such a letter has been sent to district magistrates.
The BSF is keeping strong vigil in border areas, given the political instability in Bangladesh.
On Thursday, ADG BSF Eastern Command Ravi Gandhi, during an investiture ceremony in the presence of West Bengal Governor Ananda Bose, admitted that the force’s role was challenging, but it had ensured safety across the border.
“The diversity here, the complete geographical border regions, the social equations, and ups and down of our relations with neighbouring Bangladesh make it very challenging to maintain a balance in our duties. However, the Border Security Force personnel, skilled and brave officers and soldiers, are handling their responsibilities very well while facing each challenge. Illegal infiltration and smuggling are major issues in this area, and modern technology is being used to monitor the border. Efforts are being made to win the trust of the border residents and make them aware of the damages caused by smuggling and infiltration. Due to these efforts, there has been a significant reduction in crimes, illegal activities, infiltration, and smuggling at the border."
Bengal and Bangladesh share a border that spans more than 2000 kilometres of which more than 500 kilometres is unfenced. Miscreants, smugglers, and infiltrators often try to hide behind tall crops and foment trouble in the region. Though the BSF has been able to thwart such attempts, sources say it becomes difficult to convince farmers to grow other crops as their livelihoods depend on agriculture.
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