According to sources in the BSF, people from Bangladesh came in three phases near the Jhaportolla border outpost in South Berubari Gram Panchayat in Jalpaiguri district since Wednesday morning.
“Over 300 men started to gather on the Bangladesh side of the border on Wednesday morning. In the afternoon, around 120 men tried to enter India. In the evening, a group of 40 men tried to enter. All of them tried to cross the zero line when BSF stopped them. Officers of Bangladesh Border Guards were called and the men were told to return. By evening, all the men returned,” said a BSF official on the condition of anonymity.
Sources said the people trying to enter India came from villages in Panchagarh district of Bangladesh, which, among other areas, reportedly witnessed violence after the fall of Hasina government.
Without giving details, a statement issued by the BSF said, “Today afternoon, Bangladeshi nationals were observed gathering near the International Boundary in two sectors. These gatherings were prompted by fears of attacks by protesters within Bangladesh. BSF personnel, demonstrating exceptional vigilance and proactive measures, swiftly responded to these situations, ensuring the security of the border and the safety of the gathered Bangladeshi nationals.”
The BSF said that there was no “widespread movement” of the minority population from Bangladesh towards the Indian border. “The individuals gathered were primarily motivated by fears of local unrest,” it said.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has ordered all district police chiefs to increase vigilance at the entry and exit points across all districts, especially those bordering Bangladesh. On Tuesday, Chief Secretary Bhagabati Prasad Gopalika and Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar chaired a high-level meeting with the district magistrates and superintendent of police of the border districts and instructed them to maintain vigil in the border areas.
According to sources in the State Home Department, the administration is worried about the possible infiltration through the Bangladesh border.
“We are worried because some Awami league leaders and minority communities may try to infiltrate into Bengal. With this, some terrorist-linked persons may also infiltrate into India taking advantage of such unrest,” a senior Home Department official said on the condition of anonymity.
“After hearing the news about Hasina’s resignation, the BSF increased patrolling along the border. However, the DGP said that district police should have their own mechanism to conduct monitoring along the border,” a state senior police officer said.
“We are especially worried about border areas in Cooch Behar district. On the basis of our past experiences, many people are likely to enter the country through this border. So, the DGP has ordered us to regularly monitor and thoroughly check the bordering areas of Cooch Behar,” the officer added
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Police warned people against spreading rumours. The police also flagged some TV news channel reports.
“Given the current situation in Bangladesh, we have noticed a few posts and videos on social media that may create discord and unrest. Please do not pay attention to rumours, do not share provocative videos, do not step into a fake news trap. The state administration is alert and vigilant. Keep calm and maintain peace,” West Bengal Police posted on X.
“A few local media channels have been reporting on the situation in Bangladesh, in a blatantly provocative and communal manner, in clear violation of Press Council of India norms. We would urge all viewers to use discretion while viewing such coverage, and to remember that none of the footage being aired has been verified by a third party. Please don’t fall victim to one-sided narratives and misinformation. Keep calm and maintain peace,” it added
With ENS, New Delhi
Click here to join The Indian Express on WhatsApp and get latest news and updates