123456 Kolkata: The Border Security Force (BSF) has begun holding village meetings along the Indo-Bangla border and sought better cooperation from villagers. The BSF officials say they are seeking information on any questionable movement, especially at night, after explaining the present turmoil in Bangladesh that could prompt cross-overs.
"A village coordination meeting was held by 93 Bn BSF North Bengal at Kalindipara village to discuss major concerns, including the present situation in Bangladesh, trans-border crimes, and the maintenance of peace and security within the region. The meeting also sought to foster better cooperation between the locals and the security forces," stated the BSF.
These meetings are being held in the presence of prominent elderly citizens from the locality and elected members of the panchayat, said a senior BSF officer, adding that fighting misinformation as well as getting inputs at night were the major objectives.
Soorya Kant Sharma, IG of the North Bengal Frontier of BSF, said, "Security arrangements have been beefed up at the border. Since Aug, there was an increase in the tendency of Bangladeshi nationals to cross over to India. Discussions are being held with the BGB to resolve these issues on a daily basis. Movement is high at Thakurgaon and Panchgarh, where we are holding regular talks. The BGB has always helped us. The state govt and villagers have helped us too. We are only strengthening the ties. Ten percent of the total border under the frontier lacks fencing. Fencing will be installed in those areas very soon, but all security measures have been taken here."
BSF North Bengal has begun posting the interactions on social media pages for greater public knowledge.