The BSF declared on Tuesday that it would closely watch the curfew along the Indo-Bangladesh border in view of an increase in illegal infiltrations, following the political upheaval in Bangladesh.
BSF Deputy Inspector General of Police, or DIG, and South Bengal Frontier spokesperson A K Arya said meetings were organised with the villagers in Uttarpara and Mustafapur Border Outposts to tell them about the present situation in Bangladesh following the change of guard in that country.
"Villagers have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement on the border roads or adjacent areas after dark. There will be an announcement from mosques to warn the villagers to keep away from the border. Further, it has been decided that village shops will close by 9 PM. Farmers were asked to use the fence gates only for essential activities," said the BSF spokesperson.
He added that vigilance would be required in the border areas against infiltration and other illegal activities, including smuggling.
Another coordination meeting was held at the Bornberia Border Outpost, said DIG Arya.
"Key issues discussed were management of tall crops near the border, the problem of jute dumping by civilians near the border, civilian movement on border roads during curfew hours, and land acquisition for fencing in unfenced areas," he said.
He said that resolving these issues was indispensable for ensuring security at the border and safety of the community.
In all the meetings, the BSF reiterated the need to foster good relations between the force and the local civilian population.
"Better coordination will result in fewer problems for both the BSF and the villagers," DIG Arya stated.
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