Joint patrolling by BSF and BGB at Tripura border

AGARTALA: India and Bangladesh today decided to conduct joint patrolling along the Indo-Bangla Border by BSF and BGB in Tripura to check cross-border movement of Indian insurgents.

The decision was taken during the two-day Indo-Bangla Deputy Commissioner level meeting which concluded here today.

A joint statement signed by both the sides stated that the Indian side raised issues about the presence of banned National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) in Chittagong Hill Tracts of the neighbouring country and about NLFT engaged in kidnapping and extortions in the bordering areas in India side.

Both sides then agreed for joint patrolling by BSF and BGB and Bangladesh security would swung into action if insurgents were found to be using their soil.

The Bangladesh side informed that instructions have been given to launch operation against Indian insurgents using the soil of Bangladesh for carrying out "subversive" activities in India. They also said that a decision to set up five more border outposts in the Chittagong Hill Tract areas bordering Dhalai district of Tripura has been taken for better vigil and stop cross-border movement of insurgents.

District Administration and concerned agencies of both sides would take necessary steps to prevent trans-border crimes such as illegal trespassing, trafficking of women and children, smuggling of drugs and narcotics.

Both sides also decided to share information about dual citizenship of people and take necessary action against them.

The 30-member Bangladesh team led by District Magistrate of Feni Humayan Kabir Khanderkar comprising five district magistrates, representatives of police, paramilitary forces and border guards arrived here on Thursday last and left for their country through Akhaura check post today.