Local residents at the Bonchouki border in Hatibandha Upazila of Lalmonirhat district have foiled an attempted intrusion by members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF)
The BSF members fled the scene in the face of resistance from locals, leaving behind two shotguns and a walkie-talkie. Later, the recovered weapons and walkie-talkie were handed over to the BSF during a battalion commander-level flag meeting held at the call of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
According to BGB sources, the incident took place at around 2:20pm on Tuesday near the unfenced Zero Line at border pillar 907/2-S under Bonchouki Border Outpost (BOP) of Lalmonirhat Battalion (15 BGB).
The altercation reportedly started over cattle grazing between local residents and three personnel from the Paglimari Camp of India’s 78 BSF Battalion.
At one stage, the BSF members allegedly entered Bangladeshi territory without informing the BGB.
After the incident came to light, local residents immediately informed the nearby BGB camp, while more people gathered at the spot.
Facing strong resistance from the organised locals, the BSF personnel panicked and fled to Indian territory, leaving behind the two shotguns and a walkie-talkie they were carrying.
A BGB patrol team later reached the spot, recovered the abandoned weapons and walkie-talkie, and brought them to the BOP.
Immediately after the incident, the commanding officer of 15 BGB Battalion lodged a strong protest with the commandant of 78 BSF Battalion over the alleged illegal intrusion and sought an explanation. He also called for an immediate flag meeting.
Responding to the BGB’s call, a joint battalion commander-level flag meeting was held from 6:00pm to 6:50pm on the same day near border pillar 907/4-S.
During the meeting, the BGB strongly raised the issue of BSF personnel illegally crossing the border and engaging in an altercation with local civilians.
In response, the BSF commandant formally expressed regret to the BGB over the unwanted incident. He assured that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring and that action would be taken against the BSF personnel involved in line with regulations.
Following the meeting, the weapons and walkie-talkie recovered by the BGB were handed over to BSF authorities following the prescribed government and administrative procedures.
The BGB said the border situation is currently normal and peaceful.
