To ensure trust and understanding between people of the border villages and the BSF, coordination committees involving the police, civil administration and BSF will be constituted at the sub-divisional level in different parts of the State.
This was decided at a high level meeting between the State government and BSF Inspector General here today convened by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
On the other hand, BSF Inspector General H S Dhillon said that an inquiry will be conducted by the border guarding force into the allegations leveled by Dr. Seiboklang Buam who is also the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Officer of Muktapur veterinary dispensary under Amlarem civil sub-division in West Jaintia Hills.
Dr. Buam has alleged that he was harassed by BSF troopers at Lakroh Shiv Mandir, Hawai Tilla, West Jaiñtia Hills on February 11 afternoon. Dr. Buam, who was on his way to fish, claimed that he was stopped by two BSF troopers who began questioning him.
He also claimed that he took out his mobile phone and started recording the harassment, and the BSF personnel were annoyed and snatched the mobile phone from him and asked him to strip his clothes. He further claimed that the two BSF troopers asked him to kneel down and beg for forgiveness, which he refused. He also said that they threatened to drag him to the zero line and shoot him dead.
Meghalaya Director General of Police Lajja Ram Bishnoi informed that the home minister called for a meeting to discuss the unfortunate incident at Muktapur and to also discuss past such incidents.
According to Bishnoi, the coordination committees which will be headed by Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) will hold a meeting every month with community leaders so that trust and understanding can be strengthened within the people of the border villages and the BSF. In this coordination committee, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer and company commander of BSF will be the members.
“The high level meeting today also decided that in the future if any misunderstanding is there BSF company commander or local officer should intimate the nearby police station immediately so that things do not escalate. Till the local police arrive, the BSF will not take any further action and they have agreed to that,” Bishnoi said.
BSF Inspector General H S Dhillon said that the “unfortunate” incident which happened at the border has been resolved yesterday amicably.
Asked if any action will be taken against the BSF personnel involved in harassing the veterinary officer, Dhillon said that the BSF is inquiring into the issue.
When mentioned that his statement is contradictory with what was issued by the BSF spokesman, Dhillon reiterated that all issues have been sorted out amicably with Dr. Buam, local NGOs, civilians, police officials, SDO (Civil) and others present at the meeting in Amlarem yesterday.
Earlier, the Public Relations Officer of BSF issued a statement that the allegation levelled by Dr. Buam that BSF troopers threatened to shoot him and strip him naked is entirely false and misleading propaganda against the BSF troops.
Meanwhile, speaking to media persons after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the incident which occurred on February 11 was amicably resolved between all the parties.
He however said that a notification for the coordination committee would be issued soon.
Tynsong said that the coordination committee will meet at least twice a month to sort out any differences arising along the border areas. He informed that there are around six civil sub-divisions which have borders with Bangladesh.
“This committee will also discuss issues of smuggling, illegal immigration from Bangladesh and any other issue arising in the area,” he added.
