India, B’desh border forces hold flag meet amid fencing tension
Times of India | 10 January 2025
Kolkata: A flag meeting took place between IG, South Bengal Frontier of Border Security Force and the regional commander of Border Guards Bangladesh at Petrapole–Benapole border on Thursday, days after a standoff at Malda Baishnabnagar over BSF's attempts to put up barriers at unfenced border areas.
While sources said the timing of the meeting was significant considering the tense relations between the neighbours at the moment, BSF's official statement called it a "routine informal meeting".
"It was an informal pre-scheduled meeting held at ICP Petrapole on the India-Bangladesh border in North 24 Parganas between IG, South Bengal Frontier, BSF, Maninder PS Pawar and the Regional Commander of the South West Region, BGB, Mohammad Humayun Kabir," it said.
BSF's spokesperson said discussions focused on coordination and peace along the border, as well as fostering mutual cooperation between the two forces. "The commanders discussed various issues of mutual interest, including joint efforts against cross-border crimes, ongoing development activities in border areas, measures to prevent illegal border crossings and effective border management," the officer said.
TOI reported on Thursday that land was acquired along the banks of the Betna river between Petrapole and Jayantipur border outposts to put up smart fencing and that the force was effectively working towards putting up barriers on the over 400-km unfenced area in south Bengal.
According to the statement, IG Pawar emphasised the importance of cooperation in promoting a more secure border environment, ensuring stability and fostering prosperity in the region. "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and continuing efforts to enhance the spirit of cooperation between India and Bangladesh," he said.
Work on the installation of single-row fencing at Malda's Sukdevpur area continued to remain suspended for a second day, as border security agencies of both countries met again to resolve the stalemate. A senior BSF officer said the unit commander-level meeting was successful and that work would begin soon. On Monday, BGB along with a group of Bangladeshis had stopped the fencing, leading to a skirmish between the two forces and local residents of both countries. While the work resumed on Tuesday following meetings between the two forces, it was suspended again on Wednesday.