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Bangla concession on border fence
NEW DELHI, March 11 In a major concession, Bangladesh may allow India to construct fences within 150 yards of the international border, an impasse that had stalled the fencing project in several critical points.
This was the indication that emerged at the end of the Director General level Border Coordination meeting that concluded here this morning. The 19-member Bangladesh delegation was led by Director General (BDR) Major General Mainul Islam, while the Indian delegation is headed by DG BSF, Raman Srivastava.
According to officials who took part in the meeting the two countries have arrived on an understanding that in some cases the BDR may even allow construction of fences at the Zero Point.
Officials said that the question of Zero line is still pending, and it has been discussed during the Home Secretary level talks also. "On the Indian side there are some parts along the border left unfenced, we are taking action and it will be fence soon. And we have also decided to put flood light along the border for better observation and to prevent criminals from taking advantage of darkness," sources added.
Construction of fences within 150 yards of the border was a major sore point in relations between the two countries that has been pending resolution since long. In the face of stiff opposition, the Union Government had last week declared that it start construction beyond the 150 yards within its territory to check illegal migration.
Meanwhile, the two sides refrained from commenting on the detention of the ULFA leaders in Bangladesh. There is no reason that Government of Bangladesh would go back on its policy of handing over anti-India insurgents, assured the DG of BDR. "Our Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has declared that Bangladesh land will not be allowed to use for terrorist activities. We are implementing these words on ground," he said.
We do have neither time nor resources, to harbour terrorists, Major General Islam added, replying to questions. "There are certain grey areas where the presence of the BDR is very low. We are in the process of modernizing the force and will increase our presence in the grey areas to ensure no terror group can operate from our land," he added. The BDR chief also reiterated that its soil would not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
The two chiefs were addressing a joint press conference, at the end of four-day-long BSF-BDR conference said they have agreed to prevent criminal elements from misusing dark patches of borders. "We have come across incidents of cattle smuggling, movement of people along the border especially during darkness. We have discussed the matter in detail in this meeting and action will be initiated," Srivastava said.
Commenting on cross border firing, Major General Mainul Islam said: "the countries should not be worried about such incidents. It's a matter of concern to both sides. We have discussed the matter and will ensure that no innocent people will be killed." "We have a history of movement of people and cattle trafficking during darkness, will ensure to limit such activities along border," he added.
Srivastava said the BSF would also ensure that no innocent is killed by firing. "We have no right to shoot and kill innocent people. We will ensure that such incidents do not to occur in the future," Srivastava said.
The two sides expressed concern at the incidents of killings of innocent civilians. Both sides agreed to ensure that no innocent civilians are killed and only criminals are targeted before their apprehension.
The Assam Tribune Online
NEW DELHI, March 11 In a major concession, Bangladesh may allow India to construct fences within 150 yards of the international border, an impasse that had stalled the fencing project in several critical points.
This was the indication that emerged at the end of the Director General level Border Coordination meeting that concluded here this morning. The 19-member Bangladesh delegation was led by Director General (BDR) Major General Mainul Islam, while the Indian delegation is headed by DG BSF, Raman Srivastava.
According to officials who took part in the meeting the two countries have arrived on an understanding that in some cases the BDR may even allow construction of fences at the Zero Point.
Officials said that the question of Zero line is still pending, and it has been discussed during the Home Secretary level talks also. "On the Indian side there are some parts along the border left unfenced, we are taking action and it will be fence soon. And we have also decided to put flood light along the border for better observation and to prevent criminals from taking advantage of darkness," sources added.
Construction of fences within 150 yards of the border was a major sore point in relations between the two countries that has been pending resolution since long. In the face of stiff opposition, the Union Government had last week declared that it start construction beyond the 150 yards within its territory to check illegal migration.
Meanwhile, the two sides refrained from commenting on the detention of the ULFA leaders in Bangladesh. There is no reason that Government of Bangladesh would go back on its policy of handing over anti-India insurgents, assured the DG of BDR. "Our Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has declared that Bangladesh land will not be allowed to use for terrorist activities. We are implementing these words on ground," he said.
We do have neither time nor resources, to harbour terrorists, Major General Islam added, replying to questions. "There are certain grey areas where the presence of the BDR is very low. We are in the process of modernizing the force and will increase our presence in the grey areas to ensure no terror group can operate from our land," he added. The BDR chief also reiterated that its soil would not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
The two chiefs were addressing a joint press conference, at the end of four-day-long BSF-BDR conference said they have agreed to prevent criminal elements from misusing dark patches of borders. "We have come across incidents of cattle smuggling, movement of people along the border especially during darkness. We have discussed the matter in detail in this meeting and action will be initiated," Srivastava said.
Commenting on cross border firing, Major General Mainul Islam said: "the countries should not be worried about such incidents. It's a matter of concern to both sides. We have discussed the matter and will ensure that no innocent people will be killed." "We have a history of movement of people and cattle trafficking during darkness, will ensure to limit such activities along border," he added.
Srivastava said the BSF would also ensure that no innocent is killed by firing. "We have no right to shoot and kill innocent people. We will ensure that such incidents do not to occur in the future," Srivastava said.
The two sides expressed concern at the incidents of killings of innocent civilians. Both sides agreed to ensure that no innocent civilians are killed and only criminals are targeted before their apprehension.
The Assam Tribune Online
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