While a few years back, movement of insurgents in India’s North East and illegal migration from Bangladesh were the main concerns for border forces on both sides – the Border Security Force and the Border Guards Bangladesh, crime is now the focus.
This was one of the major issues that was discussed at the 52nd Director General level coordination conference between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) which was held in Dhaka from July 17 to 21.
Spread over five days the biannua conference also aimed at building confidence and communications. Bangladesh has also been critical of killings on the India Bangladesh borders allegedly by the Indian BSF.
Indian delegation was headed by Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, DG BSF and Bangladesh delegation was headed by DG BGB Major General Shakil Ahmed.
Highlights of Record of Joint Discussions
As per the Shillong Times, highlights of the joint record of discussions signed by both DGs are: -
Joint efforts to curb trans-border crime by adopting extra precautionary measures such as increasing Coordinated Patrols, enhancing vigilance and sincere commitments. Both sides also agreed to undertake joint efforts to bring down the number of incidents of assault/border crime by intensifying public awareness program, undertaking appropriate socio-economic developmental programs in vulnerable areas, educating border population about the sanctity of IB and preventing criminals/inhabitants from crossing the IB.
Evolution of a Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of smuggling contrabands, such as, various narcotics (especially YABA), Firearms, FICN, gold etc., and agreed to remain cautious and steadfast to stop smuggling through sharing of real time information and active anti-smuggling efforts.
Effective steps to continue to sensitize the border populace to refrain from Violation of IB/Illegal crossing/Intrusion, smuggling, human trafficking, uprooting Border Pillars and other trans-border crimes.
Constructive engagement with the respective higher authorities for concurrence of the pending developmental work within 150 yards of IB. Both sides also agreed to facilitate river bank protection works along the common bordering rivers as approved by Joint River Commission based on mutual consensus and without unnecessary hindrance. Both sides also agreed to follow the laid down procedure and geographic/demographic realities on ground while erecting Single Row Fence. Both sides agreed to work out a modality of the nodal officer level engagements within the soonest possible time- frame based on the guidelines of respective higher authorities, so that the pending developmental works can move forward.
In regards to trans-border insurgent groups/suspected camps both sides agreed to show zero tolerance towards any such groups/activities and take concurrent action in respective border based on real time information.
Border Killings
The BSF Director General Pankaj Kumar Singh was questioned on the killings on the border by the Bangla media and indicated that only those involved in various crimes including smugglers, drug dealers and traffickers were killed in the border firings.
The identity of those killed were verified he claimed and dismissed reports that these were targeted killings as per the Dhaka Tribune.
DG Singh also stated that the BSF is working with BGB to bring border killings down to zero and is using non-lethal weapons
Measures to Contain Smuggling
On the whole Indian forces have claimed of multiple measures to contain smuggling across the India Bangladesh border however there is no relief in the same given the attractive margins that are available to the smugglers who are also routinely facing the bullet from the border guarding forces.
Some of the measures taken by the Border Security Force are effective domination of the borders by carrying out round the clock patrolling, laying nakas, establishing observation posts all along the International Border (IB) and strengthening of existing defences of the Border Out Posts (BOPs).
Vulnerability mapping of BOPs to assess the sensitivity of area of responsibility for cross border crimes is being reviewed regularly and accordingly, sensitive BOPs are being strengthened by deploying additional manpower, special surveillance equipment and other force multiplier. Deployment of technological solutions. Erection of border fencing on the IB. Installation of border floodlight along border security fence to lit up the area. Use of water crafts/boats and floating BOPs for domination of riverine area of IB.Simultaneous Co-ordinated Patrolling is being conducted with Border Guard Bangladesh on Indo-Bangladesh border. Conduct of special operations along the border and nearby areas.Upgradation of intelligence network and coordination with other security agencies.
India and Bangladesh border is 4,096 km-long, the longest that India has with any country and the fifth-longest land border in the world. State wise West Bengal has 2,217 km, Tripura 856km, Meghalaya 443km, Assam 262km and Mizoram180km.