Editorial
Stopping border fatalities
BSF should go by its commitment
It is a welcome piece of news that the Border Security Force (BSF) of India will not use lethal weapons in order to bring down killing of Bangladeshis that has been on the rise at the borders. We would much rather they had no use for weapons at all. For we want a full stop to killings rather than bringing down the number of firing incidents.
We like to see the BSF use non-lethal weapons in all circumstances since the nature of our borders is permeable and by no means hostile. We should be especially mindful to avoid any unsavoury incident. On top of everything these borders are between two friendly and not inimical countries. That is why a delicate balance would have to be struck in our border guarding approaches. Therefore, we are all for special cautionary measures to be taken in the management of the borders.
Building of structure within 150 yards of each others border subject to mutual consent and allowing 24-hour access to Tin Bigha corridor which connects Dahagram and Angorpota enclaves in India with the mainland, are other important decisions that will have to be implemented with a great degree of sensitivity and attention to detail. However, for the present we like to concentrate on border killings which tend to affect neighbourly relations between Bangladesh and India.
In case of illegal border crossing or intrusion, instead of taking recourse to shooting, the Border Security Force only need to follow the procedure laid down in the rules of engagement. Under the rules it can arrest any trespasser or anybody involved in criminal activity and hand him /her over to the Bangladesh authority. Taking a path of understanding and negotiation through border meetings is the best option for resolving any differences on the ground, if any.
This time we are hopeful that the decisions taken and commitments made at the DG level conferences will permeate down the lowest rung and a changed outlook will be reflected by the BSF men at the borders. Furthermore, the friendship and cordiality that the governments of Bangladesh and India exude in their relationship will be squarely reflected via the existence of a border of peace between the two countries.
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