Kolkata, 28 May (H.S.) -The Border Security Force (BSF) has thwarted an infiltration attempt by 13 Bangladeshi nationals along two border points in North Bengal. In an official statement issued on Thursday afternoon, the paramilitary force confirmed that the incident took place on Tuesday night near the Sitalkuchi and Sitai border areas in West Bengal’s Cooch Behar district.

According to the statement, BSF personnel from the 78th Battalion stationed at the Padma and Sitai border camps intercepted the infiltrators as they tried to illegally cross into Indian territory. Upon being stopped, the individuals attempted to retreat into Bangladesh. However, they were denied entry by the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), leaving them stranded in the narrow buffer zone known as ‘No Man’s Land’ between the two countries.

BSF sources said that strict surveillance measures have been implemented along the border to ensure the individuals do not enter India. On the Bangladeshi side, BGB has also intensified its vigilance.

This incident comes amid a backdrop of growing political instability in Bangladesh, which has led to a surge in illegal cross-border movement in recent months. BSF officials noted that several infiltration attempts have been foiled over the past year, with many individuals apprehended while trying to enter India unlawfully.

Data released by the central government indicates that a total of 2,601 Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended between January 2023 and January 2024 while attempting to cross the border illegally. The highest number of arrests occurred in October 2023, when 331 infiltrators were caught in a single month.

The BSF continues to conduct intensive patrolling, set up checkpoints, and maintain observation posts to prevent unauthorized crossings along the India-Bangladesh border. The latest incident underscores the continued volatility along the border and the heightened alertness of both nations’ border forces.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh