India seeks Bangla action on North East ultras
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies

New Delhi, August 25 2014: India asked Bangladesh on Sunday to again mount a crackdown on the insurgents of the North Eastern Region operating from that country, even as the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) agreed to step up joint patrolling along the international border.

Appreciating the cooperation extended by the BGB against the Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs) based in Bangladesh, the BSF sought further cooperation from the BGB for taking action against IIGs and safe release of Indian nationals abducted by IIGs, a joint statement signed by the chiefs of the two forces, said.

India and Bangladesh have decided to increase joint patrolling by their border guarding forces, BSF Director General DK Pathak and DG Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Aziz Ahmed said at a press briefing at the end of the five-day meet.

Security forces patrolling along Indo-Bangladesh border (File picture)

India handed over a list of 71 insurgent camps and those of their cadres, which it suspects are based in the neighbouring country.

However, there was no word on extradition of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia.

As reported, the issue is on the agenda of the Home Secretary-level talks scheduled early next month.

BSF chief Pathak said both the forces have decided on a new and improved patrolling plan, where troops from both sides will come together for vigil.

Both sides agreed to take effective steps for prevention of human trafficking and illegal trans-border movement.

Replying to questions, the BGB chief claimed that there was no "illegal migration" taking place on the border, adding there were only instances of "illegal crossing" .

Both the chiefs said they have resolved to review issues like illegal constructions along 150 metres from the border and those pertaining to border fencing.

"There are about 13 such cases pending, while two are being worked for approval," Ahmed said while talking about incidents of construction along the border.

The BGB DG said he was sure that none of the fake Indian currency notes (FICN) confiscated along the border was being produced in Bangladesh and his country was being used as a "transit" route by smugglers.

"We have made adequate measures to seize this type of currency.

We will work with BSF to curb it further," Ahmed said, while talking to reporters at the BSF headquarters here.

Highlighting the importance of the Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of trans-border crimes like smuggling of drugs and narcotics including Phensedyl, FICN, gold and cattle smuggling, both the DGs vouched for implementation of the CBMP in letter and spirit.

The two DGs agreed to undertake vulnerability mapping every six months.