Vikrant Shekhawat : Jan 11, 2025, 01:00 AM
India-Bangladesh News: The kind of developments that have come to light on the India-Bangladesh border in recent times raises the question whether Bangladesh is crossing its limits? There have been reports of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel obstructing the work of installing barbed wire (fencing) on the border in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal. Particularly in the Dahagram-Angarpata border area of Mekhliganj, a situation of dispute had arisen between the BGB and the local villagers. Despite this dispute, the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) continued the fencing work along with the villagers. So far, about one and a half kilometers of barbed wire has been installed and soon two kilometers more fencing work will be completed.BGB's actions: The reason for tensionThe question arises that why is BGB repeatedly obstructing the installation of barbed wire on the border? Looking at the attitude of the current Bangladesh government, it is clear that there is a lack of positivity in its relations with India. India has always tried to maintain good relations between the two countries, but in recent times no such effort is visible from Bangladesh.The situation on the India-Bangladesh border has deteriorated so much that the border forces of both the countries, BSF and BGB, had to hold a flag meeting. This meeting was held to reduce tension, but despite this, efforts to obstruct the fencing work on the border are continuing from the BGB.Claim of occupation on the banks of Kodanilaya riverRecently a controversial statement came from the BGB in which they claimed occupation of five kilometers of area on the banks of the Kodanilaya river. After this statement, the tension increased further. The BSF termed this statement of BGB as misleading and unacceptable. In Sukhdevpur area of Malda also, BGB jawans tried to stop the work of installing barbed wire. These incidents clearly show the increasing tension on the border.Target of fencing on 591 km borderIndia has set a target of fencing 591 km long on the Indo-Bangladesh border. Under this, there is a plan to install floodlights on the border, build border posts and build observation towers. The purpose of these steps is to prevent infiltration and illegal activities on the border. However, many challenges are also coming in implementing these security measures.New issue of politicsState politics has also heated up on this matter. West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are blaming each other. BJP leader Shubhendu Adhikari claimed that the fencing work on the border is slowing down due to lack of necessary support from the state government. He also said that the process of land acquisition for fencing on the 284 km long border is pending at the state level.What is the solution?In view of the increasing tension on the border, it becomes necessary that both the countries solve these problems with mutual understanding and cooperation. Flag meetings can temporarily reduce tensions, but for a long-term solution, both countries need to formulate a concrete policy. India should take strong steps to ensure its security and raise the issue at international forums if needed.ConclusionIncidents of obstruction in laying barbed wire on the border by Bangladesh are a matter of serious concern for India. This is not only souring the relations between the two countries, but is also dangerous from the point of view of border security. India should take a tough stand on this issue and ensure that the fencing work on the border is completed without any hindrance.Mutual cooperation and understanding between the two countries is very important to maintain peace and security on the India-Bangladesh border.