The Border Security Force (BSF) remains on high alert along the India-Bangladesh international borders in West Bengal due to the crisis in the neighboring country.
Newly-appointed BSF Director General (DG) Daljit Singh Chaudhury, who arrived in Kolkata on Monday, reviewed the situation and spoke to top officials of the Eastern Command.
Chaudhury will visit the Benapole-Petrapole India-Bangladesh International Border in North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.
This marks the second day of Chaudhury’s visit to the state. Sources suggest he may also visit other sensitive border areas with Bangladesh in West Bengal.
Chaudhury has already visited the floating border outposts in the Sunderbans areas scattered over the South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas districts.
Chaudhury emphasized absolute security and sealing the borders with Bangladesh to prevent illegal infiltration attempts amid the Bangladesh crisis.
He stressed enhanced security arrangements at the floating border outposts and the deployment of additional security personnel at sensitive border points prone to illegal infiltration.
He also emphasized enhanced night patrolling and monitoring through extensive use of close-circuit television sets and night vision cameras, given the higher chances of illegal infiltration during night hours.
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Sources indicate a greater focus on the South Bengal Frontier due to the porous and sensitive border points in that area.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Police issued an advisory cautioning the public against making controversial posts regarding the crisis in Bangladesh.
“Given the current situation in neighboring Bangladesh, we have noticed a few posts and videos on social media that may create discord and unrest. Please do not pay attention to rumors, do not share provocative videos, do not step into a fake news trap. The state administration is alert and vigilant. Keep calm and maintain peace,” the advisory from West Bengal Police read.
This caution from the state police follows a public appeal from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, requesting people to avoid provocation on the Bangladesh issue.
Sources from the state secretariat noted that while the BSF handles security at the state’s borders with Bangladesh, police stations in bordering areas have also been instructed to remain on high alert due to the evolving situation in Bangladesh.
