Kolkata, 8 January (H.S.): A disturbing incident unfolded at the Maguruli border in Tripura, reminiscent of similar confrontations in Kashmir. Bangladeshi smugglers, aided by local villagers, attempted to snatch a rifle from BSF personnel patrolling near Pillar No. 47. The situation escalated when the smugglers ignored warnings from BSF personnel and crossed into Indian territory to smuggle goods like bidis.

In a heated chase, BSF personnel inadvertently crossed the international boundary into Bangladeshi territory. This led to a tense standoff involving both countries' border forces. However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Bangladeshi villagers, allegedly instigated by smugglers, attacked the BSF personnel, attempting to snatch their rifles and assault them with sharp weapons.

This incident draws parallels with a 2017 episode in Kashmir, where a group of locals was filmed slapping an Indian Army soldier. Such acts of hostility, whether at the India-Bangladesh border or in Kashmir, raise concerns about the safety and dignity of security personnel defending the nation.

Diplomatic discussions are now expected between the two nations to address this sensitive matter and prevent such incidents in the future.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh