BSF plans 7 floating outposts in Sundarbans after intel on new terror threat from B’desh
Times of India | 18 May 2025
123 Kolkata: The rise of a new terror outfit in Bangladesh has triggered heightened surveillance along land and water borders with the neighbouring country, with BSF announcing its plans to establish seven new outposts in the Sundarbans region.Bengal Police is also rejigging its border control mechanism, and stringent checks on Indian identity documents have been ordered, a senior officer said.The terror outfit, operating out of a reputed university in Bangladesh under instructions from the Pakistan-based handlers of Jaish-e-Muhammed and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, were trying to recruit old Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen hands in India and illegally infiltrate the Indian borders, an intelligence official said.A senior BSF official said these posts would primarily be floating structures, designed to enhance surveillance capabilities in the challenging terrain.The decisions come after a high-level meeting between central and state govt officials earlier this week. The Bengal govt has agreed to allocate necessary land and resources for the establishment of these new outposts, marking a significant step in strengthening border security infrastructure.The recent changes in Bangladesh's political landscape have led to increased activities by anti-India elements. "We observed a surge in attempts to establish new terror networks, particularly targeting young recruits through educational institutions," the intelligence official added.BSF expects the new outposts to be operational within the next six months.Intelligence reports suggest that terror organisations are increasingly targeting water routes for infiltration, making the Sundarbans a particularly vulnerable area. The dense mangrove forest, spanning approximately 157 km of coastal area, presents unique challenges for border security forces.BSF's enhanced presence in the region will include advanced surveillance equipment and increased patrol frequencies. The new outposts are expected to reduce the gap between existing posts.