Northeast Desk, 21st June: In a tense confrontation at Kuliang village, East Jaintia Hills district, the Border Security Force (BSF) reported encountering hostile resistance from villagers while attempting to thwart cross-border smuggling activities involving Bangladeshi miscreants.
According to the BSF, a group of 30-35 Bangladeshi smugglers infiltrated into Indian territory through an unfenced area near Border Outpost (BOP) Kuliang, managed by the 172 Bn BSF. These smugglers allegedly intended to receive sugar consignments from Indian smugglers based in Kuliang village.
In a detailed statement, the BSF asserted that upon receiving intelligence about the smuggling attempt, its personnel swiftly responded to the scene. However, they encountered strong opposition from local villagers who, according to BSF claims, aimed to facilitate the escape of the Bangladeshi smugglers. The situation escalated as villagers reportedly pelted stones at BSF personnel and engaged in verbal abuse and threats.
During the altercation, one BSF personnel was reportedly attacked with an axe by an Indian woman, causing injury to his right hand. Another BSF member sustained injuries from stone pelting on his left hand. The BSF promptly alerted local police authorities at the Umkiang patrol post under PS- Lumshnong, East Jaintia Hills district, regarding the incident.
Highlighting the vulnerability of Kuliang village due to its proximity to the international border, the BSF emphasized that local Indian smugglers often store large quantities of sugar, later smuggled into Bangladesh with the assistance of Bangladeshi counterparts. This exploitation reportedly occurs through unfenced border patches and during adverse weather conditions.
Since the beginning of 2024, BSF units in the Kuliang area have reportedly seized over 100,000 kilograms of sugar, thwarting significant cross-border smuggling attempts. The BSF urged residents of border areas to refrain from illegal activities and cautioned against aiding Bangladeshi smugglers in cross-border operations.
Following the incident, the BSF announced plans to lodge a protest note with Border Guard Bangladesh concerning the illegal entry of Bangladeshi smugglers into Indian territory. The BSF reiterated its commitment to maintaining border security and preventing trans-border crimes, despite recurrent confrontations with local residents involved in illicit activities along the international border.
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