Personnel of the 193rd Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya seized 19 wooden boats from Bangladesh yesterday in the Jadukata River near Gumaghat, East Khasi Hills while suspected miscreants were attempting to cross into Indian territory to collect boulders and sand.
The BSF had recently come in for criticism after a video was shot of miscreants stealing sand and boulders from the Indian side of the border near Dangar without being challenged.
In a release today, the BSF said, “The swift and efficient action by the BSF thwarted illegal activities and ensured the security of the border region.”
“These kinds of special operations are indicative of the mission mode the BSF troops have adopted on the border. However, Bangladeshi miscreants often attempt to sneak into Indian territory through riverine areas to steal stone and sand. In this regard, the BSF has lodged a protest with the BGB (Border Guards Bangladesh) regarding the illegal activities by Bangladeshi nationals on Indian territory.”
The seized boats have been taken into custody for further handover to the Customs office in Dangar.
Meanwhile, to maintain peace and tranquility along the Indo-Bangladesh border, a battalion commandant-level meeting was held yesterday between the BSF and BGB to discuss issues related to enhancing border domination and vigilance. Additionally, simultaneous patrolling systems were coordinated, especially in vulnerable areas.
