Farmers give land to BSF to construct Bangla border fence in Jalpaiguri
Times of India | 30 April 2025
12 Jalpaiguri: Around 50 farmers in Jalpaiguri's South Berubari GP have agreed to part with portions of their farmland to enable construction of a 11-km fence along the India-Bangladesh border.
Located in Sadar block, this area shares a peculiar boundary with Bangladesh that was not possible to guard by erecting a fence if the locals did not provide BSF with land.
Sources said the rising tension due to the Bangladesh interim govt's anti-India stand, coupled with the recent cross-border terror attack in Kashmir, prompted these farmers to sign an agreement with BSF.
"The recent developments have led to greater cooperation from locals. People have realised their safety relies on proper fencing. So, 50 farmers from Santhal Para, Pathan Para, Satkura, Fakir Para and Sirishtala have agreed to provide land. Work for the final survey and then raising the fence will start very soon," said Annakanta Das, an official of South Berubari GP.
"There is need for another 8-km fence and we are hopeful that other villagers will also come forward to provide land," said Sarada Prasad Das, secretary of India-Bangladesh Border Citizens' Association.