Indian Khasias intrude for third day

27 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent, Sylhet

Tension prevailed on Jaintapur borders in Sylhet as the Indian Khasia tribesmen intruded and tilled farmlands for the third consecutive day yesterday over 60 yards inside the zero line. Locals and BDR sources said over 100 Khasia men entered the croplands at Kathalbari and in Minatila area at about 10:00am. The BDR men warned and asked them to leave the croplands, which they ignored. The Khasia men, however, left the scene when the BDR raised red flags at around 12:00 noon. They returned after an hour and till the farmlands until 5:30pm. Major Abdullah Al Mamun, second-in-command of 21 battalion of BDR, said the border guards have raised red flags after intrusion of the Indian Khasias on the Kathalbari and Minatila area and informed the higher authority about the matter. Havilder Monir, Minatila BDR camp in charge, told the Daily Star that the Indian Khasias left the farmlands at 5:30pm. He said they are trying to occupy 23 acres of land, although it is about 60 yards inside Bangladesh from the border pillar 1283/1S”.