Kolkata, 7 January (H.S.):

Tension escalated at the India-Bangladesh border in Malda’s Baishnabnagar area after the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) objected to the installation of barbed wire fencing by the Border Security Force (BSF). The fencing work, initiated under government directives, aims to secure open border stretches. However, despite BGB’s claims that the area falls within Bangladesh, BSF continued its operations.

The disputed area lies in Sukdevpur under Malda’s Baishnabnagar police station, adjacent to Shibganj in Bangladesh's Rajshahi district. On Monday, the central Public Works Department (PWD) and BSF began the fencing work in Bakhrabad Panchayat under Kaliachak-3 block. According to sources, this section of the border had remained unsecured for years, raising concerns about infiltration and security breaches.

Malda District Magistrate Nitin Singhania confirmed the development, stating, “The fencing work is underway. There were initial objections, but the matter has been resolved.Discussions between BSF and BGB officials took place on Tuesday morning, where BSF clarified that the area falls under Indian jurisdiction and that fencing is essential for security reasons. Following the talks, the work resumed, and the situation has remained peaceful since.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh