Agartala, February 18 (TIWN): Unfenced border area in Indo-Bangladesh border at Tripura created troubles for the people along the border as well a local people of the State. Though it is to be recalled here that India and Bangladesh recently decided to conduct joint patrolling along the IndoBangla Border by BSF and BGB in Tripura to check cross border movement of Indian insurgents, smuggling of narcotics and trans­border crime.

The decision was taken during the two­ day Indo­ Bangla Deputy Commissioner level meeting which concluded recently. While the Indian side raised issues about the presence of insurgents, the Bangladesh side raised the issues of narcotics smuggling in a joint statement signed by both the countries. They agreed for joint patrolling by BSF and BGB and Bangladesh security would swung into action if insurgents were found to be using their soil. It is mentionable that, a total of 64 Border out Post (BOP) are present in the state. Out of the 64 Border out Post (BOP) 22 BOP are in operation at present.

The remaining 42 BOP will become operational soon. Four Indian northeastern states of Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Assam share a 1,880­km border with Bangladesh. The mountainous terrain, dense forests and other hindrances make the unfenced borders porous and vulnerable, enabling illegal immigrants and intruders cross over without any hurdle. India is erecting a fence and putting up floodlights along the 4,096­km India­ Bangladesh border in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram to check trans­border movement of militants, and to check border crimes.

The insurgency and illegal trade becomes a common problem due to the lack of fenced area. It is to be, mention that, Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh and some parts of the border area remain unfenced. The mountainous terrain and dense forests make the border porous and vulnerable to illegal migrants and intruders crossing over. Though Union Ministry instructs to fence the unfenced area, but maximum work remains to be incomplete.

On the other hand State Government claims that despite their composite approach of border fencing in the state comprises of both single and double row fencing. Stress is being laid on double row fencing though majority of fencing alignment but the MHA approved single row fencing in areas having trouble in finalizing alignment between BSF and BGB authorities. In a written reply by Minister-In-Charge of Home affairs, against the question raised by MLA Ratan Lal Nath, it is observed that, maximum areas need to be unfenced. The details are sketched as:

1. Kasba KaliBari area- Properly fenced

2. Akhaura Check Post- Properly Fenced.

3. Agartala Airport- Properly fenced

4. Mohanpur Bazaar-Properly fenced.

5. Khowai- Not properly fenced.

6. Belonia- Not properly fenced.