BSF Foils Major Infiltration Attempt by Bangladeshi Citizens Amid High Alert

The Border Security Force (BSF) has foiled an infiltration attempt by a large group of Bangladeshis from the international border in West Bengal, amid the ongoing 'high alert' due to unrest in the neighbouring country. BSF officials said that the force has stopped a group of about 150 Bangladeshi citizens, who were trying to enter the Indian border by crossing the international border in West Bengal. According to officials, the security forces have been on 'high alert' since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka.

The 'North Bengal Frontier' of the Border Security Force stated to calm the "rumours" and clarified that "there has been no large-scale movement of minority population from Bangladesh towards the Indian border."

A spokesperson of the Frontier Headquarters in Kadamtala, Darjeeling said, "People had gathered due to fear of local unrest. These people have been assured of their safety and encouraged to return to their homes." The statement said that Bangladeshi citizens were seen gathering near the international border in two sectors. It said that these people had gathered fearing attacks by protesters in Bangladesh.

According to the statement, the BSF personnel displayed "extraordinary vigilance" and promptness, responded quickly which ensured security of the border and the safety of Bangladeshi nationals gathered there. The statement said that in one sector, BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh along with local authorities sent 35 Bangladeshi nationals back to their homes and "BSF has deployed additional forces to handle the situation effectively."

In another sector, a group of Bangladeshi villagers reached the international border, causing a ruckus for some time, but BSF personnel took "immediate" action and resolved the situation peacefully without any "adverse" incident. The spokesperson said that the villagers have returned to their homes.

In another incident, the North Bengal Frontier said, "A major infiltration attempt was foiled when a large number of Bangladeshis were seen near the border."

The BSF guards 932.39 km of the 4,096-km long Indo-Bangladesh international border covering North Dinajpur, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts of West Bengal.