• By Vivek Raj
  • Sat, 10 Aug 2024 08:45 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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In a major border security operation, the Guwahati Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday successfully prevented a large-scale attempt by approximately 1,000 individuals, reportedly Bangladeshi nationals, from entering India through the Cooch Behar district in West Bengal. According to a BSF official release, most of these individuals were Hindus seeking refuge in India.

The incident took place near a water body in Bangladesh’s Lalmonirhat district, where the group had gathered about 400 meters from the border fence. BSF personnel, recognising the potential for a major border security breach, quickly responded by coordinating with the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), ensuring that the group was taken back into Bangladesh.

A senior BSF official confirmed that despite the group's attempt to approach the border, none of them were able to cross into Indian territory.

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“The Bangladeshis had gathered at the border, but none were able to enter the country as the border was completely sealed. They were later taken back by the BGB into their own country,” the BSF official said.

Local residents in the area reported seeing the group assembling near the border. A resident, Rahim Miya said, "When we went there to collect fodder for our cattle, we saw thousands of people from Bangladesh were gathered there and they asked us to open the gate. When the BSF personnel arrived, they refused to open the gate and asked them to return... If they'll come, it'll harm our country... Today, we haven't seen anyone. We want them to be in their own country."

Local media reports indicate severe persecution of minorities in Bangladesh following recent violence, leading to multiple attempts by panicked Bangladeshis to illegally cross into India.

In view of the ongoing unrest, the Indian government on Friday formed a five-member committee to closely monitor the situation along the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB). The committee, established by the Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is tasked with maintaining communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and minority communities in Bangladesh.

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The committee will be led by Ravi Gandhi, Additional Director General of BSF, Eastern Command. Other members include the Inspector Generals (IGs) of BSF Frontier HQ South Bengal and Tripura, a Member (Planning and Development) of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), and the Secretary of LPAI.