In response to the evolving situation in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) is ramping up its efforts along the India-Bangladesh border. This includes organizing “village coordination meetings” in border villages to garner local support for strengthening security and curbing illegal activities.
The BSF, which oversees security along the 4,096 km India-Bangladesh border, has been holding these meetings with Panchayat Pradhans, Panchayat members, and villagers in the South Bengal frontier areas of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. These meetings are conducted within the jurisdiction of Border Outposts under Sector Headquarters Krishnanagar and Kolkata.
Company Commanders from various BSF Border Outposts, including Chauhatia Singamora, Ichamati, Padampur, Ranghat, Madhupur, Mysimpur, Haridaspur, Goalpara, Kaijuri, Jhawdanga, Angrail, and Tentulberiya, have facilitated these discussions. The aim is to “strengthen the relationship between the BSF and local communities,” as stated by the BSF.
During these meetings, the BSF emphasized the importance of local cooperation in maintaining security and preventing illegal activities. Officers encouraged villagers to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Discussions also included the enforcement of Section 144 of the CrPC during nighttime hours along the border, and the prohibition of unnecessary civilian movement on embankments to avoid security breaches.
Additionally, the BSF informed villagers about the ban on fishing in the border area at night, as it poses a security risk. AK Arya, Public Relations Officer of the BSF South Bengal Frontier and Deputy Inspector General, highlighted that these coordination meetings are part of the BSF’s ongoing efforts to build trust and cooperation with border residents.
Arya noted that the BSF’s initiatives reflect its commitment to winning the support of border communities, thereby enhancing national security and community welfare. He also mentioned that the BSF has increased security measures and is actively engaging with border villagers to raise awareness about the situation in Bangladesh.