BSF-BGB updating new SOPs, plan single-row fencing

NEW DELHI: The border guarding forces of India and Bangladesh are working to update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as well as construction of single-row fencing along the border within 150 yards.

The Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) are updating the SOP that are in place to prevent a repeat of what happened in October this year when Head Constable Vijay Bhan Singh of the BSF lost his life following an unprovoked firing by the BGB. During the 49th bilateral Director General level talks between the two forces from December 25-30, Both sides agreed on Sunday to avoid such incidents

BSF DG Vivek Johri called the incident unfortunate, unexpected and unwanted, saying "there are lessons to be learnt as to how to prevent such incidents."

"We are drawing a detailed SOP on this subject," Johri said. "We have basic SOPs already in place. What we are doing now is review them and plug gaps. It should be ready in the next few days."

Commenting on the incident, BGB chief Major General Md. Shafeenul Islam said it was totally "unexpected and unwarranted". "We have taken steps to avoid such situations. An inquiry is in process. We will take steps once the inquiry is over."

On the status of an Indian fisherman apprehended on the sea by the BGB, Islam said he had been handed over to the police.

The BSF chief said as it was a judicial process which would take some time. "He was arrested because he crossed illegally," he said.

The two forces discussed construction of single-row fencing, infrastructure works and construction within 150 yards of International Border without prior intimation during border coordination conference being attended by an 11-member BGB team, headed by its Director General Islam.

On single row fencing, the BGB chief said that it is within 150 yards. "We have agreed to work on it and the issue was discussed in the conference." (IANS)

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