Firing at Indo-Bangla border leads to exodus

Author: Saugar Sengupta/Bashirhat
Publication: The Pioneer
Date: November 19, 2002

The bayonet that erupted on the wee-hours of Saturday at Shamshernagar-Koikhali area along Indo- Bangladesh border of North 24 Parganas, leading to a 20-hour exchange of fire between Border Security Force (BSF) and Bangladesh Rifles, has fallen silent notwithstanding a palpable tension prevailing in the area with a large exodus of locals to the neighbouring villages on both sides of the border. The construction of a jetty on Kalindi River, which led to the intense firing, has been postponed for the time being after a flag meeting between the two sides, the BSF informed. The matter has been referred to the Joint River Commission for settlement, sources said.

An intense firing broke out on the wee-hours of Saturday noon, after a flag meeting between the two sides failed to settle the dispute regarding the construction of a 250-feet jetty on the river, which Bangladesh thinks will hamper its interests. The BSF sources quoting Lt Col Ramjan Ali of the BDR said, they had objected to the construction because it could lead to the river beginning to erode the other side of the bank, which falls in Bangladesh. However, the BSF maintained that the BDR people objected to the construction primarily because it could have facilitated the mobility of the Indian forces checking infiltration in the area. According to a BSF officer, the BDR had resorted to firing after a flag meeting between the two sides, failed to iron out differences.
 

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