The Union government following recommendations of the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, has instructed Border Security Force to establish five new battalions to boost its ongoing anti-infiltration operation along the 318 km India-Bangladesh border.
The decision was taken after the intelligence reports said that there would be more terrorist infiltration along these areas, especially in the Mizoram region.
Under the establishment of five new battalions, more than 5000 BSF personnel would be deployed along the India-Bangladesh border area for round-the-clock check to stop any terrorist infiltration.
"We have already set up three battalions in the region and two more would be established very shortly," BSF Deputy Commandant Sheik Altaff Hussain told UNI.
"181 BSF battalion would be deployed in Turial area, 105 and 75 BSF battalions in Lunglei district of the state", he said adding two more battalions are expected to be established during February 2006.
There would be around 1100 BSF personnel in each battalion, he pointed out adding each battalion commandant would be reporting to the first BSF sector headquarters at Aizawl.
Altaff also stated that there would be one BSF post every 10 kilometres along the border, where there would be 24 hours patrolling and checking suspected vehicles along the border areas.
He further added the BSF officials would also help by providing security to the organizations especially the National Building Construction Corporation and Border Roads Organisation, who have undertaken the border fencing work.
He also expressed concern over the Bangladesh's illegal settlers in the region and said '' the illegal settlers, who are sheltered here are claiming minority group. Moreover, our BSF latest operation would also look after drug and arms smuggling along the border region''.
Mr Altaff further said ''we would be creating an awareness campaign through out the region about our work and status, because there is a misconception among the people that we are here to fight''.
"We would also be creating a sense of security among the people", he pointed out.
Highly placed intelligence sources, however, underlined that there are large infiltration taking place along the India-Myanmar border, which is unchecked.
The sources also added that centre should also deploy more forces along this border area.
According to the status of fencing along India-Bangladesh Border, the government of India has spent Rs 1877.98 crores, to various organisations, in sealing the India-Bangladesh border out of their approved Rs 3925 crore.
The work which was initially targetted to be completed by 2007, however, has now been scheduled for 2006.
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