Indian HC airs concern over media reports

In a press release yesterday, the high commission said the Indian authorities have investigated the firing incident and conveyed the following facts:

"A BSF patrol party from border outpost Sodepur, while taking action against cattle smugglers in Ichhamati river, came under unprovoked fire from the BDR at about 5:00 am on July 6. The BSF was forced to retaliate in self-defence and to protect civilians on the Indian side moving in the surrounding area.

"In spite of unprovoked firing by the BDR, the BSF tried to defuse the situation by trying to reach senior BDR officers none of whom responded to the calls. Instead, the BDR continued intermittent firing up to 11:30am during which it fired about 6000-7000 rounds. The BSF subsequently lodged a strong protest note with the BDR."

The high commission noted that since May 27, this is the 14th incident of unprovoked firing by the BDR on the BSF, while the latter was conducting operations against cattle and narcotics smuggling along the border, especially in areas of Sodepur, Soladana, Panitar and Gojadanga.

The high commission also reiterated the need for cooperation by the BDR in order to maintain peace and tranquility along the border, the release added.